;'  ..7W 


• 


OAA 


I 


HISTORY 


— OF    THE  — 


1 1 


— OF — 


ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEER  INFANTEY 


— IN    THE — • 


GREAT  WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION 

1862—1865. 

BY  ^AL 


B.   F.   THOMPSON, 

\\ 

LATE  CAPTAIN  IN  THE  REGIMENT. 


PRINTED  AT  THE  STARK  COUNTY  NEWS  OFFICE, 
TOULON,  ILLINOIS. 

1885. 


E 


.  5 
1  1 


To  Mf  surviving  members  of  the  rcaiment, 

and  to  the  memory  of  our  deceased  comrades, 

this  volume  is  respectfully  dedicated,  in 

Fraternity,  Chanty  and  Loyalty, 

by  the  author. 


PEEFACE. 


At  the  reunion  of  the  112th  Eegiment  Illinois  Yr  lunteers  in 
1882,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  wr.te  a  history  of  the  sev 
eral  companies,  and  send  the  same  to  the  author,  to  be  edit 
ed,  arranged  an  (V  woven  into  a. hi  story  of  the  regiment.  The 
author  waited  two  years,  in  vain,  for  some  action  of  the  com 
mittee,  and  then  determined  to  undertake  the  work  independ 
ent  of  the  committee.  His  original  purpose  was  to  prepare 
the  manusciipt  and  give  it  to  the  Association  of  Surviving 
Members  of  the  Eegiment  for  publication ;  but  the  labor  and 
expense  of  collecting  material  were  too  great  for  one  to  bear, 
and  this  plan  was  abandoned. 

The  records  of  the  regiment  were  twice  captured  and  de 
stroyed  by  the  enemy  ;  many  of  our  diaries  have  been  lost  or 
destroyed,  and  others  have  faded  so  they  cannot  be  read  ;  but 
four  company  muster-out  rolls  can  be  found,  and  two  of  these 
are  imperfect  copies;  and  the  Adjutant  General's  Eeports  of 
this  State  are  too  inaccurate  to  be  of  any  value.  The  author 
has  examined  all  the  rosters  and  records  that  could  be  found, 
but  has  relied  mainly — and  especially  in  the  preparation  of 
the  roster  of  the  regiment — upon  the  facts  and  dates  furnished 
l.im  by  the  members  of  the  regiment.  He  h  is  endeavored  to 
make  this  a  true  and  impartial  history  of  the  regiment  and  of 
each  man ;  but  that  it  is  free  from  errors  he  dees  not  claim ; 
many  mistakesjtof  omission  and  commission  will  do  btless  be 
found;  it  would  be  vain  to  expect  absolute  accuracy,  after  the 
lapse  of  so  many  years,  with  our  present  means  of  informa 
tion.  The  author  has  not  attempted  to  write  a  histoiy  of  the 


M1246Q7 


4  PREFACE. 

war,  of  campaigns  nor  of  armies,  but  of  a  single  regiment  on 
ly  ;  and  he  has  described  the  movements  of  other  portions  of 
the  army  only  when  it  was  deemed  necessary  in  order  that  the 
reader  may  intelligently  understand  the  movements  of  the  re 
giment. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  the  government  removed  the  re 
mains  of  all  the  deceased  Union  soldiers  that  could  be  found 
to  National  Cemeteries,  where  the  graves  were  numbered  and 
a  record  made  of  all  that  could  be  identified.  Many  could  not' 
be  found,  and  many  of  those  found  could  not  be  identified,  but 
by  the  courtesy  of  the  superintendents  of  these  cemeteries, 
the  author  has  ascertained  the  place  of  burial  and  number  of 
grave  of  every  member  of  the  112th  Illinois  of  whom  there  is 
any  record.  Inquiry  has  been  made  as  to  every  man  ;  and  if 
any  are  missing  it  is  for  the  reason  that  no  record  can  be  found 
of  their  burial. 

The  author  is  greatly  indebted  lo  many  members  of  the  re 
giment  for  valuable  aid  and  suggestions  in  the  preparation  of 
this  volume,  and  especially  to  those  who  have  furnished  him 
diaries,  documents  and  papeis;  and  to  each  and  all  cf  them 
he  returns  his  sincere  thanks. 


HISTORy  OF  HIE  II2TI1  ILLINOIS. 


CHAPTEE  I. 

ORGANIZATION    OF    THE     REGIMENT — ORDERED    TO    THE    FRONT. 

Who  among  the  surviving  veterans  of  the  war  of  the  great 
rebellion  can  ever,  forget  the  stirring  events  of  the  summer  and 
autumn  of  1832 '?  The  war  had  continued  more  than  a  year 
without  decisive  results ;  the  success  of  our  arms  in  the  West 
had  been  counterbalanced  by  the  masterly  inactivity,  or  the 
repeated  failures  of  the  Union  armies  in  the  East ;  Union  men 
were  disappointed  and  despondent ;  a  murmur  of  disapproval 
began  to  be  heard  among  the  most  ardent  and  zealous  support 
ers  of  the  administration,  while  its  enemies  openly  avowed 
their  dissatisfaction  and  want  of  confidence  in  its  ability  to 
quell  the  rebellion  ;  those  who  ware  lukewarm  in  their  devotion 
to  the  Union,  or  secretly  sympathized  with  the  rebellion,  cen 
sured  the  government  for  continuing  the  war  at  the  expense  of 
so  much  blood  and  treasure,  and  demanded  a  cessation  Of  hos 
tilities  and  an  effort  to  settle  the  differences  between  the  sec 
tions  by  compromise  ;  and  the  enemies  of  the  government  re 
joiced  at  our  reverses  and  predicted  the  ultimate  success  of  the 
so-called  Southern  Confederacy. 

Such,  in  brief,  was  the  state  of  public  feeling  in  the  North 
when,  on  the  2nd  of  July,  1802,  President  Lincoln  called  upon 
the  country  for  three  hundred  thousand  volunteer  soldiers  to 
serve  three  years  or  during  the  war.  This  was  followed  by  a 
second  call,  on  the  4th  of  August,  for  three  hundred  thousand 
more,  to  serve  nine  months  unless  sooner  discharged. 


V     :  :  "•  ;&STOIIY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

This  decisive  step  on  the  part  of  the  government  infused  new 
courage  and  confidence  in  the  lieaits  of  the  pe-jp.e ;  there  was 
an  im  aediate  change  in  the  tone  of  public  sen  imeut ;  thu  p-j-j- 
ple  saw  that  the  government  was  in  eainest,  and  they  hailed 
its  decisive  ac'ion  with  demonstrations  of  joy  and  approval; 
and,  in  response  to  the  Piesidem's  calls  for  volunteers,  there 
was  a  general,  spontaneous,  patiiolic  uprising  of  the  whole 
people  of  the  great  loyal  North,  siuh  as  the  world  had  never 
before  seen. 

From  every  hill-top  and  valley ;  from  country,  town  and 
city ;  from  the  farms,  the  work-shops  and  the  factories  ;  from 
stores,  offices,  and  even  pulpits,  men  of  every  vocation  and 
profession  laid  aside  their  business  and  professional  pursi'i  s, 
left  homes  and  firesides,  wives  and  children,  fathers,  mothers, 
sisters,  sweethearts  and  friends,  and  hurried  to  the  front,  to 
risk  their  lives  upon  the  field  of  battle  in  defense  of  the  Union 
and  the  Hag  of  their  country — dearer  to  them  than  a^l  else- 
singing  as  they  marched  :  "  We  are  coming,  Father  Abraham, 
Si^  hundred  thousand  more." 

No  other  government  on  the  face  of  the  earth  could  have 
raised  such  an  army  of  volunteers.  No  ti  led  monarch  could 
thus  command  the  services  of  his  subjects ;  but  those  brave, 
patriotic  men — citizen  soldiers — voluntarily  marched  forth  to 
offer  t  ieir  lives,  if  necessary,  in  defense  of  country,  govern 
ment  and  flag,  because  it  was  their  country,  their  government, 
and  their  flag. 

No  eye  ever  beheld  a  grander  or  more  inspiring  scene.  Our 
forefathers  must  have  looked  down  with  pleasure  and  gratitude 
upon  the  Grand  Army  of  the  ivepublic,  marshalled  in  defense 
of  the  government  they  had  founded  ;  angels  might  well  lejoice 
as  they  looked  into  the  hearts  and  read  the  secret  though  s  of 
the  weeping  but  heroic  wives,  mothers  and  daughters  whom 
husbands,  sons,  fathers  and  lovers,  at  the  call  of  duty  t)  their 
country,  left  behind ;  and  God  bestow  his  blessing  upon  the 
brave  men  and  noble  women  whose  u:i-ellish  love  of  tountiy 
promp'ed  such  invaluable  sacrifices  in  its  defense. 

In  no  State  in  the  Union  did  the  people  .respond  more  will 
ingly  or  with  greater  enthusiasm  to  the  demands  of  the  gov 
ernment  than  in  the  State  of  Illinois,  notwithstanding  the  fact 


ORGANIZATION.  7 

that  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  State  a  large  portion  of  the 
people  sympathized  with  the  Southern  cause  and  refused  to  aid 
the  government  in  its  efforts  to  preserve  the  Union.  This  State 
had  already  furnished  seventeen  thousand  men  in  excess  of  its 
quotas  under  previous  calls.  Its  quota  under  the  two  calls  of 
July  2nd  and  August  4th  was  52, 298  men.  It  did  not  ask — did 
riot  expect — any  credit  under  these  calls  on  account  of  its  for 
mer  surplus.  It  asked  only  for  arms  and  ammunition  for  its 
volunteers.  In  eleven  days  after  its  quotas  under  the  two  calls 
had  been  ascertained  and  announced,  the  quotas  had  been  fill 
ed,  and  on  the  18th  of  August  52,296  men — the  whole  number 
required — had  been  enrolled  and  were  awaiting  orders  to  take 
the  iield.  And  Illinois  did  not  cease  in  well-doing.  After  the 
two  calls  for  volunteers,  and  before  the  expiration  of  the  year 
1832,  fifty-nine  regiments  of  infantry,  one  regiment  of  cavalry, 
four  batteries,  and  other  recruits  for  old  regiments,  had  been 
sent  to  the  front,  which  raised  its  excess,  over  and  above  all 
quotas,  to  twenty-three  thousand  men. 

Henry  and  Stark  counties,  in  common  with  other  parts  of 
the  State,  had  responded  liberally  to  all  previous  calls,  and  had 
sent  to  the  front  more  than  their  full  proportion  of  volunteers. 
Both  were  agricultural  conn  ies,  with  no  large  towns  or  surplus 
population.  Men  without  employment,  if  any  there  were,  had 
already  enlisted  and  were  in  the  field  ;  and  very  many  of  the 
best  men  of  the  two  counties  had  left  their  business  and  work 
for  other  hands  to  perform,  and  were  then  fighting  the  battles 
of  their  country  in  the  South.  In  consequence  there  was  a 
great  scarcity  of  laborers,  and  farmers  had  much  difficulty  in 
securing  sufficient  help  to  cultivate  and  save  the  maturing 
crops.  It  was  in  the  midst  of  harvest,  and  they  were  busily  at 
work  gathering  and  saving  the  ripening  grain.  But  the  loyal 
men  and  women  of  these  counties  were  thoroughly  aroused  up 
on  the  issues  of  the  war,  and  were  ready  and  willing  to  do  all 
in  their  power  to  aid  in  subduing  the  rebellion  and  punishing 
secession ;  and  when  the  President  called  for  "three  hundred 
thousand  more, "gthe  reaper  was  abandoned  in  the  field,  and 
the  golden  grain  left  to  be  harvested  by  the  old  men,  and  the 
boys  and  women,  who  until  then,  had  been  exempt  from  such 
labor ;  the  mechanic  laid  aside  his  tools  ;  mercha-nts  abandon- 


8  HISTORY  OF:THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ed  their  business  ;  lawyers  and  physicians  closed  their  offices, 
and  even  ministers  of  the  gospel  exchanged  the  cloth  for  a  blue 
unifoim;  and  from  every  neighborhood.  lo\vn  and  village,  ihe 
stuidiest,  braves!  and  most  intelligent  men  in  the  two  counties 
tinned  their  b  icks  upon  homes  and  families,  and  hastened  to 
enroll  their  names  as  soldieis  of  the  Union  "for  three  years  or 
during  the  war. " 

Prominent  citizens,  of  both  counties,  without  waiting  for  for 
mal  authority,  and  without  previous  conference  or  understand 
ing  with  each  other,  as  if  animated  by  a  common  spirit,  com 
menced  the  enlistment  of  companies.  Among  these,  in  Hen 
ry  county,  were  Tristram  T.  Dow,  the  leac'ing  business  man- 
operating  largely  in  grain  and  stock  and  general  merchandise 
—of  Anna  wan;  Alexander  W.  Aibro,  actively  engaged  in  the 
sime  business  at  Gal va  ;  James  M.  Hosi'ord,  editor  and  bank 
cashier,  of  Geneseo ;  Eev.  Joseph  Wesley,  a  preacher  of  the 
g)spel  of  pui-e,  of  Green  Liver;  Dr.  Augustus  A.  Dunn,  a  for 
mer  sheriff  of  Stark  county,  and  afterwards  the  leading  physi 
cian  of  Cambridge  ;  Emery  S.  Bond,  deputy  clerk  of  the  cir 
cuit  comt,  and  a  veteran  of  the  Mexican  War,  where  he  served 
in  a  Tennessee  cavalry  regiment,  also  of  Cambridge ;  and 
George  W.  Sroufe,  another  Cambridge  man,  wlu  worked  at  a 
carpenter's  bench  six  days  of  the  week  and  preached  the  gos 
pel  of  the  Carpenter's  Son  on  the  seventh.  And  in  Stark  coun 
ty,  Thomas  J.  Henderson,  ex-state-senator,  and  the  leading- 
lawyer  of  the  district ;  Sylvester  F.  Otman,  county  surveyor, 
and  a  farmer  and  business  man  of  Wyoming ;  and  James  B. 
Doyle,  an  extensive  farmer  and  stock  dealer,  of  Bradford,  weie 
engaged  in  raising  companies  at  those  places.  Each  of  these 
men  succeeded  in  raising  a  full  company,  and  each  was  elect 
ed  captain  of  his  company. 

Large  and  enthusiastic  public  meetings  were  held  at  Cam 
bridge,  Geneseo,  Toulon  and  other  towns,  and  everywhere  the 
people — men  and  wromen — emulated  one  another  in  the  honor 
able  strife  of  securing  enlistments  and  aiding  ;hose  who  volun 
teered.  Dr.  Dunn,  of  Cambridge,  was  the  first  to  report  a  full 
company. 

J.  M.  Hosford,  of  Geneseo,  headed  a  roll  with  his  own  name 


ORGANIZATION.  9 

on  Thursday,  and  011  the  following  Monday  had  one  hundred 
and  one  men. 

T.  J.  Henderson,  of  Toulon,  raised  nearly  a  full  company  in 
two  days. 

T.  T.  Dow,  of  Annawaii,  and  E.  S.  Bond,  of  Cambridge,  each 
raised  a  company  in  a  very  few  days,  and,  after  Dr.  Dunn's, 
were  the  first  companies  filled.  The  other  companies  were  but 
little  slower  in  filling  their  ranks.  Everywhere  the  best  and 
most  active  men — men  prominent  in  town  and  county  affairs— • 
sought  the  places  of  enlistment  and  em  oiled  their  names  as 
piivate  soldiers,  with  but  a  single  controlling  motive — to  reach 
the  front  as  quickly  as  possible  and  strike  a  blow  in  defense  of 
the  Tnion. 

Early  in  August  each  of  these  companies  held  an  election 
and  elected  its  commissioned  officers  by  ballo-  ;  and  at  once, 
as  if  moved  by  a  common  impulse,  active  steps  wc.e  taken  by 
the  officers-elect  to  unite  their  companies  into  a  regimen1;:. 

The  people  of  Henry  county  had  been  anxious  to  raue  a 
Henry  County  ixeginient ;  but  two  companies  had  been  raised 
*at  Kjwanee,  and  assigned  to  th-  124th  Itegiment,  before  the 
movement  to  raise  a  home  regiment  had  commenced,  and  it 
was  now  too  late  to  raise  a  regiment  composed  exclusively  of 
Henry  county  companies ;  and  the  next  best  thing  to  do  was 
to  unite  the  seven  Henry  and  tlree  S'ark  county  comparrcs. 

Col.  Wheeler  JJ.  Sweet,  a  prominent  citizen  of  Galva — and  a 
gentleman  to  whom  the  people  of  Henry  county,  and  of  ilie 
S'ate,  are  greatly  indebted  for  faithful  and  et'l  c'ent  service  in 
behalf  of  the  Union  cause  in  ilie  dark  days  cf  .he  lebeliion— 
visi'ed  Spiiiiglield  and  obtained  the  necessary  authority  from 
Governor  Yaies  to  organize  a  regiment  from  Henry  and  ad 
joining  connies.  Col.  Sweet  then  returned  Lome  and  called 
a  meeting  at  Galva,  which  was  attended  by  pi  eminent  men  of 
Henry  and  Stark,  and  by  many  who  had  enlisted  in  the  Henry 
companies  ;  and  after  a  careful  survey  of  the  field  and  a  full 
discussion  of  the  subject,  it  was  determined  -to  convene  the 
commissioned  officers-elect  of  the  seven  Henry  and  tln.ee  Staik 
county  companies,  at  Galva,  on  the  18th  of  August,  for  the 
purpose  of  uniting  them  into  a  regiment. 


10  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Col.  Sweet  notified  the  company  officers,  and  on  (he  18':h  of 
August  they  met  at  Galva.  Every  officer  was  present — ten 
captains  and  twenty  lieutenants.  Capt.  J.  M.  Ho,- ford,  of 
Geneseo,  and  Lieut.  Thomas  F.  Davenport,  of  Cambridge, 
were  elected  chairman  and  secretary,  respectively,  and  the 
meeting  proceeded  to  business.  Af.er  a  long  but  friendly  dis 
cussion,  it  was  unanimously  voted  to  organize  the  ien  compa 
nies  represented  into  a  regiment ;  and  as  the  regiment  would 
contain  seven  Henry  county  companies,  it  was  unanimously 
agreed  that  it  should  be  known  as  "  The  Henry  County  Regi- 
ment." 

The  meeting,  composed  exclusively  of  officers,  then  proceed 
ed  to  the  election  of  .Regimental  Field  Officers,  by  ballot,  with 
the  following  result : 

Capt%.  Thomas  J'.  Henderson,  of  the  Toulon  company,  was 
unanimously  elected  Colonel  of  the  regiment ;  Cap  .  Emery  8. 
Bond,  of  one  of  the  Cambridge  companies,  way  unanimously 
elected  Lieutenant  Colonel;  and  Capt.  James  M.  Hosford,  of 
one  of  the  Geneseo  companies,  was  unanimously  elected  Major. 

Col.  Sweet  was  offered  a  position  in  the  regiment  but  he  de 
clined  any  office — preferring,  as  he  said,  to  be  known  as  the 
"Father  of  the  Regiment." 

Immediately  upon  the  adjournment  of  the  meeting  Col.  Hen 
derson,  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  and  Major  Hosford  left  for  Spring 
field  to  confer  with  the  Governor  and  Adjutant  General  of  tlio 
State,  and  obtain  authority  to  complete  the  organization  of  ihe 
regiment.  The  gallant  War  Governor  of  Illinois  was  surpris 
ed  when  he  learned  Col.  Henderson's  mission  to  Springfield, 
and  said  to  him,  "Good  Lord,  Henderson  !  we  must  have  some 
men  at  home  as  well  as  in  the  army;  we  can't  spaie  you." 
But  when  he  learned  that  the  Colonel  was  de  ermined  to  go, 
he  readily  yielded  the  point  and  issued  an  order  for  the  organ 
ization  of  the  regiment,  and  promised  all  the  aid  in  his  power 
to  secure  its  rapid  muster  in  and  equipment. 

The  number  "112"  was  assigned  to  the  regiment,  and  it  was 
entered  of  record  in  the  Adjutant  General's  Office  as  the  "  112th 
Regiment  of  Illinois  Volunteers." 

At  the  suggestion  of  the  Governor  an  election  was  held  in 
the  several  companies  for  the  Field  Officers  of  the  regiment, 


ORGANIZATION.  11 

which  resulted  in  the  election  of  Col.  Henderson,  Lieut.  Col. 
Bond  and  Major  Hosford — each  receiving  the  unanimous  vote 
of  the  enlisted  men,  thus  ratifying  the  unanimous  choice  of 
the  officers.  The  regiment  was  ordered  to  rendezvous  at  Peo- 
ria,  and  Capt.  Albro,  with  his  Galva  company,  was  the  first  to 
report ;  but  by  the  18th  of  September  all  the  companies  were 
encamped  in  the  barracks,  on  the  old  fair  ground  on  the  blur!. 

The  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service, 
at  Peoria,  by  the  United  States  Mustering  Officers,  on  the  20th 
and  22nd  of  September,  1862, — '-'for  three  years  or  during  the 
Avar," — and  by  this  simple  process  free  and  independent  citi 
zens  became  United  States  soldiers,  subject  to  military  orders 
and  discipline. 

Col.  Henderson  appointed  the  following  commissioned  Staff 
Officers,  which  completed  the  list  of  commissioned  officers  of 
the  regiment : 

Adjutant — Lieut.  Henry  W.  Wells,  of  Cambridge. 

Quartermaster — Lieut.  George  C.  Alden,  of  Annawan. 

Surgeon — Dr.  John  W.  Spaulding,  of  Galesburg. 

First  Assistant  Surgeon — Dr.  Christian  H.  Gran,  of  Cam 
bridge. 

Second  Assistant  Surgeon — Dr.  Luther  S.  Milliken,  of  Wy 
oming.  Dr.  Gran,  who  had  enlisted  in  Major  Hosford's  com 
pany,  and  been  elected  Second  Lieutenant,  and  afterwards  ap 
pointed  First  Assistant  Surgeon,  for  some  leason  unknown  to 
the  author,  was  never  mustered  into  the  service  ;  and  Dr.  Lr- 
ther  S.  Milliken  was  mustered  in  as  First  Assistant  Surgeon 
— leaving  the  office  of  Second  Assistant  Surgeon,  for  the  time 
be:iig,  vacant. 

Lieut.  George  C.  Alden  was  mustered  into  the  United  States 
service  as  Quartermaster,  on  the  10th  of  September ;  and  on 
the  following  day  Dr.  Spaulding  was  mustered  in  as  Surgeon, 
with  the  rank  of  Major. 

The  le'jter  of  each  company,  and  its  consequent  position  in 
the  regiment,  and  the  comparative  rank  of  its  officers,  were 
determined  by  lot,  under  the  direction  of  Col.  Henderson,  with 
the  following  result : 

Capt.  T.  T.  Dow,  of  the  Annawan  company,   although  the 


12  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

last  to  draw,  drew  the  letter  A — and  the  post  of  honor  on  the 
right, 

Capt.  J.  B.  Doyle,  of  the  Bradford  company,  drew  B,  and 
occupied  second  place,  on  the  left. 

Capt,  John  J.  Biggs,  of  a  Cambridge  company — Lieut.  Col. 
Bond's  company-»-drew  C. 

Capt,  A.  A.  Dunn,  also  of  Cambridge,  drew  D. 

Capt.  8.  F.  01  man,  of  the  Wyoming  company,  drew  E. 

C  apt.  William  W.  Wright,  of  the  Toulon  company — Col. 
Henderson's  company— drew  F. 

Capt,  A.  W.  Albr a,  of  the  Galva  company,  drew  G. 

Capt.  (r.  W.  Sroufe,  of  a  Cambridge  company,  drew  H. 

Capt.  James  E.  Wilkins, '  of  a  Geneseo  company — Major 
Hosford's  company— drew  I,  and  Capt.  Joseph  Wesley,  of  the 
other  Geneseo  company,  drew  K. 

And  the  Captains,  First  and  Second  Lieutenants,  respect 
ively,  of  the  companies,  started  out  with  rank  in  the  reg 
iment  in  the  order  named.  Each  of  the  companies  retained 
the  sa  ne  letter  and  the  same  position  in  the  regiment,  not 
withstanding  changes  in  the  rank  of  officers,  during  the  regi 
ment's  whole  term  of  service — A  on  the  right,  and  then  in  the 
following  order  from  right  to  left :  F,  IX  I,  C,  H,  E,  K,  G,  B. 

On  the  8d  of  October  Col.  Henderson  appointed  the  follow 
ing  non-commissioned  staff  officers  : 

Sergeant  Major— Joseph  C.  Baird,  of  company  H. 

Quartermaster  Sergeant — George  Bernard,  of  company  H. 

Commissary  Sergeant— Bobert  F.  Steele,  of  company  I. 

Hospital  Steward — Joseph  C.  Johnson,  of  company  I. 

Principal  Musician— Robert  Ferman,  of  company  D. 

Asa  L.  Haydeii,  of  company  D,  was  appointed  Drum  Major, 
and  served  as  such  until  the  organization  of  the  Regimental 
Band,  when  he  became  a  member  of  the  .band  and  remained 
in  it  until  mustered  out  of  the  service. 

Daniel  Middaugh,  of  company  H,  ("Old  Uncle  Dan"),  was 
detailed  as  Wagon  Master,  and  Samuel  M.  Eldridge,  of  com 
pany  F,  Regimental  Postmaster;  and  they  held  their  respect 
ive  positions,  and  performed  the  duties  thereof  faithfully  and 
well  during  their  whole  term  of  service. 

The  regimental  Field  and  Staff  Officers  having  been  pro- 


ROSTER,  13 

moted,  or  appointed,  from  the  company  officers,  the  vacancies 
thereby  occasioned  in  such  companies  were  tilled  by  other 
elections  and  by  promotion  in  the  regular  line  of  promotion. 
The  following  is  a  complete  roster  of  the  commissioned  officers 
of  the  regiment  as  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  : 

FIELD    AND    STAFF. 

Colonel- -Thomas  J.  Henderson,  of  Toulon. 

Lieut.  Colonel — Emery  S.  Bond,  of  Cambridge. 

Major — James  M.  Hosford,  of  Geneseo. 

Surgeon— Dr.  John  W.  Spaulding,  of  Galesburg. 

First  Assistant  Surgeon— Dr.  Luther  S.  Milliken,  of  Wyo 
ming. 

Adjutant — Henry  W.  Wells,  of  Cambridge, 

Quartermaster — George  C.  Alden-,  of  Annawan. 

No  chaplain  was  appointed  until  the  8i;h  of  October tJ;e 

day  the  regiment  moved  from  IV  >rm — when  the  commission 
ed  officers,  at  the  request  of  Hie  Colonel,  voted  for  a  chaplain, 
and  elected  Rev.  Lloswell  N.  Henderson,  a  Baptist  minister  of 
Geneseo,  who  had  enlisted  as  a  private  in  company  1.  He 
was  commissioned  by  the  Governor  on  the  IBfch  of  October,  and 
soon  thereafter  was  mustered  in  as  Chaplain  with  the  rank 
and  pay  of  Captain. 

Mr.  Henderson  promised  by  his  conduct  and  courage  to 
make  an  average  private  soldier,  and  it  was  unfortunate  that 
lie  was  not  permitted  to  remain  in  the  ranks.  By  his  promo 
tion  the  government  lost  his  services,  for  as  a  chaplain  he 
was  neither  useful  nor  ornamental.  And  right  here  it  might 
be  well  to  say  that  he  is  no  kin  whatever  to  the  gallant  Colonel 
of  the  regiment—a  fact  for  which  the  latter  may  be  thankful. 

LINE    OFFICERS. 

Company  A— 

Captain,  Tristram  T.  Dow,  of  Annawan.  First  Lieutenant, 
Asa  A.  Lee,  of  Annawan.  Second  Lieutenant,  John  L.  Dow, 
of  Annawan. 

Company  F— 

Captain,  William  W.  Wright,  of  Toulon.  First  Lieutenant, 
Jackson  Lorance,  of  West  Jersey.  Second  Lieutenant,  Rob 
ert  E.  Westfall,  of  Penn. 


14  HISTORY  OF  THE  mra  ILLINOIS. 

Company  D — 

Captain,  Augustus  A.  Dunn,  of  Cambridge.     First  Lieuten 
ant,  Henry  G.  Griffin,  of  Andover.     Second  Lieutenant,  Sam 
uel  L.  Patterson,  of  Burns. 
Company  I— 

Captain,  James  E.  Wilkins,  of  Geneseo.     First  Lieutenant, 
George  W.  Lawrence,  of  Geneseo.     Second  Lieutenant,  Hen 
ry  S.  Comstock,  of  Munson. 
Company  C— 

Captain,  John  J.  Biggs,  of  Cambridge.     First  Lieutenant, 
John  B.  Mitchell,  of  Cambridge.     Second  Lieutenant,  Alex 
ander  P.  Petrie,  of  Rivoli. 
Company  H— 

Captain,  George  W.  Sroufe,  of  Cambridge.     First  Lieuten 
ant,  Thomas  F.  Davenport,  of  Cambridge.     Second  Lieuten 
ant,  Elisha  Atwater,  of  Munson. 
Company  E— 

Captain,  Sylvester  F.  Otman,  of  Wyoming.     First  Lieuten 
ant,  Cranmer  W.  Brown,  of  Wyoming.     Second  Lieutenant, 
Elmer  A.  Sage,  of  Essex. 
Company  K— 

Captain,  Joseph  Wesley,  of  Green  Eiyer.  First  Lieutenant, 
Christian  G.  Gearhart,  of  Atkinson.  Second  Lieutenant,  Ed 
ward  H.  Colcord,  of  Geneseo. 

Company  G — 

Captain,  Alexander  W.  Albro,  of  Galva.     First  Lieutenant, 
James  McCartney,  of  Galva.     Second  Lieutenant,  Thomas  E. 
Milchrist,  of  Galva. 
Company  B — 

Captain,  James  B.  Doyle,  of  Bradford.  First  Lieutenant, 
Jonathan  C.  Dickerson,  of  Penn.  Second  Lieutenant,  John 
Gudgel,  of  Bradford. 

The  number  of  enlisted  men  mustered  into  the  service  was 
as  follows  :  Non-commissioned  Staff,  5  ;  Co.  A,  96  ;  Co.  B,  85  ; 
Co.  C,  96;  Co.  D,  98;  Co.  E,  86;  Co.  F,  95;  Co.  G,  87;  Co. 
H,  75 ;  Co.  I,  87 ;  Co.  K,  93 ;  total,  903. 

Co.  H,  not  having  the  required  minimum  number,  several 
men,  mostly  of  Co.  F,  were  mustered  in  as  of  Co.  H,  and  af 
terwards  transferred  to  their  original  companies,  to  which 
they  are  credited  in  the  foregoing  list. 


ORDERED  TO  THE  FRONT.  15 

Nothing  of  special  interest  occurred  while  the  regiment  re 
mained  at  Peoria.  It  was  a  new  life  to  all ;  officers,  as  well  as 
men,  were  ignorant  of  military  affairs,  and  all  had  to  com 
mence  at  the  beginning  and  learn  as  they  progressed  in  the 
art  of  war.  It  was  some  time  before  the  men,  accustomed  to 
pleasant  rooms  and  comfortable  beds  at  home,  could  habitu 
ate  themselves  to  the  rough  barracks  and  beds  of  straw  and 
coarse  blankets  ;  but  they  learned  afterwards  that  life  in  bar 
racks  was  one  of  ease  and  luxury  as  compared  with  their  ex 
perience  at  the  front.  Many  of  the  officers  and  men  were  vis 
ited  by  their  families  and  friends,  who  came  to  bid  them  a  fi 
nal  farewell ;  and  some  returned  to  their  homes  io  settle  busi 
ness  affairs  and  again  look  upon  the  loved  ones  there,  before 
their  departure  for  the  seat  of  war.  Some  of  the  boys  ran 
guard  and  went  to  town  too  frequently  for  their  own  good ; 
but  a  majority  conducted  themselves  with  becoming  dignity 
and  self  respect. 

On  the  4th  of  October  Lieut.  John  L.  Dow,  of  Co.  A,  was 
married  in  camp,  which  afforded  an  interesting  social  episode 
in  his  company,  and  some  of  the  officers  required  him  to  "set 
'em  up,"  in  honor  of  the  event. 

As  soon  as  the  regiment  had  been  mustered  in,  active  pre 
parations  were  commenced  to  equip  it  for  active  service  in  the 
field.  Uniforms  were  procured,  and  arms  and  accoutrements, 
knapsacks,  haversacks,  canteens,  cooking  utensils,  camp  and 
garrison  equipage,  and  all  the  various  paraphernalia  of  war, 
were  provided  as  rapidly  as  possible  ;  but  the  great  number  of 
volunteers  in  the  loyal  States,  and  the  sudden  emergency 
which  had  called  them  into  service  taxed  the  government  to  its 
utmost  capacity  to  furnish  the  necessary  arms  and  equip 
ments  for  their  use  ;  and  consequently  there  was  considerable 
delay  in  fitting  out  new  regiments — the  112th  among  others. 

Bat  at  last  all  was  ready ;  and  on  the  8th  of  October,  1862, 
the  regiment  marched  out  of  the  old  fair  ground,  nine  hun 
dred  and  forty  strong,  and  embarked  on  the  cars  for  Cincinnati 
— Col.  Henderson  having  been  ordered  to  report,  with  his  regi 
ment,  to  Major  General  Wright,  commanding  the  Department 
of  the  Ohio,  with  headquarters  at  Cincinnati. 


CHAPTER  II. 

TITR  MARCH  TO  LEXINGTON — CAMP  ELLA  BISHOP — SICKNESS  AND 
DEATH  OF  MEN — RESIGNATION  OF  OFFICERS. 

At  midnight  of  October  10th,  1862,  the  regiment  arrived  at 
Cincinnati.  0)1.  Henderson  was  here  ordered  to  report  at 
once,  with  his  regiment,  to  Major  General  Gordon  Granger,  in 
Covington,  Kentucky  ;  and  accordingly  the  regiment  marched 
across  the  Ohio  lliver  on  a  pontoon  bridge,  to  Covington, 
where  Col  Henderson  reported  to  General  Granger  at  2  o'clock 
on  the  morning  of  October  llth.  Gen.  Granger  ordered  him 
to  encamp  his  regiment  at  Covington,  and  draw  the  necessary 
supplies  and  transportation,  and  prepare  as  raqidly  as  possi 
ble  for  active  service  in  the  field. 

Here,  for  the  first  time,  the  men  spread  their  blankets  on 
the  ground  and  lay  down  to  sleep,  with  no  roof  over  them  but 
the  starry  heavens,  and  no  bed  under  them  bat  old  mother 
earth — a  new  and  strange  experience  to  many  of  them;  but 
they  afterwards  became  accustomed  to  such  "lodgings"  and 
preferred  to  sleep  on  the  ground,  if  not  too  cold  or  wet,  rather 
than  in  beds.  And  here,  too,  the  "boys"  had  their  first  expe 
rience  with  the  government  mule.  The  regiment  was  suppli 
ed  with  fifteen  wagons  for  the  transportation  of  its  effects- 
five  for  "headquarters,"  including  hospital  and  quartermas 
ter's  stores,  and  one  for  each  company— each  drawn  by  six 
mules.  The  mules  were  obtained  at  a  government  corral  in 
Cincinnati,  and  were  as  wild  as  the  untamed  mustang.  Most 
of  them  had  never  been  haltered,  and  it  required  several  men 
to  manage  one  mule,  and  nearly  a  whole  company  to  harness 
and  hitch  up  a  team  of  them. 


THE  GOVERNMENT  MULE.  17 

A  mule  is  a  mule  the  world  over,  but  there  is  no  mule  like  a 
government  mule.  His  kick  is  like  a  stroke  of  lightning  from 
a  clear  sky  ;  and  then  the  malicious  brute  will  appear  so  meek 
and  penitent,  and  wear  such  an  innocent,  injured  look  about 
him,  that  one  can  hardly  comprehend  that  the  lightning  blow 
that  laid  him  out  came  from  the  heels  of  such  an  honest  look 
ing  animal.  The  mule  was  an  important  factor  in  the  prose 
cution  of  the  war ;  he  deserves  credit  for  his  patriotic  devotion 
to  the  Union,  and  for  his  unflagging  zeal,  his  patient  endur 
ance  and  his  untiring  services  in  behalf  of  the  Union  armies. 

The  government  armies  were  fed  and  clothed,  and  supplied 
with  arms  and  ammunition,  and  hospital  stores,  drawn,  in 
many  cases,  hundreds  of  miles,  over  rough  and  hilly  roads, 
through  narrow,  mountain  passes,  by  the  ever  ready,  ever 
willing,  hardy,  patient  government  mule.  Even  the  brand  up 
on  his  shoulder,  ''!!.  S." — (Uti  Supra — As  above) — indicated 
his  amiable  and  kindly  disposition.  And  during  the  war  every 
highway  and  byway  in  the  South  bore  testimony  to  the  mule's 
self-sacrilices  to  the  country — the  air  was  thick  with  evidenc 
es  of  his  unselfish  devotion  to  the  Union  armies. 

At  Covington  the  112th  Illinois  was  brigaded  with  the  33d 
Lidiana,  the  77th,  97th  and  108th  Illinois  regiments — Col.  Col- 
burn,  of  the  33d  Indiana,  commanding  the  brigade  ;  and  on 
the  17th  of  October  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  Falmouth,  Ky. 
Moved  at  noon  of  October  18th  and  marched  nine  miles. 

October  19th,  marched  ten  miles.  The  112th  Illinois  was 
detached  from  the  brigade  and  ordere  1  to  proceed  to  Big- 
Eagle,  Ky.,  as  guard  to  a  supply  train  of  fifty  wagons.  Camp 
ed  at  Snow's  Pond,  a  small  body  of  water  in  which  the  team 
sters  watered  and  bathed  their  mules,  and  of  which  the  men 
filled  their  canteens  and  used  the  same  for  drinking  and  cook 
ing  purposes. 

October  20th,  (Sunday),  marched  seventeen  miles,  over  a 
hard,  stone  turnpike.  After  the  regiment  had  encamped  for 
the  night,  and  all  the  men,  except  the  guards,  had  gone  to 
bed,  an  alarm  was  given,  and  the  men  were  ordered  to  fall  in 
to  line  at  once  to  repel  an  expected  attack.  The  boys 
tumbled  out  and  fell  into  line  in  double  quick  time ;  but  great 
—2 


HISTORY  OF  THE   112TH  ILLINOIS.  18 

was  their  indignation  when  they  afterwards  learned  that  it  was 
only  a  ruse  of  the  officers  to  try  their  mettle. 

October  21st,  marched  twen!y-two  miles,  to  Big  Eagle,  which 
place  was  reached  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening.  Here  we 
found  the  22nd  Wisconsin  regiment,  which  proceeded  to  Lex 
ington  the  next  morning. 

October  22nd,  remained  at  Big  Eagle.  On  this,  the  first 
march  of  the  regiment,  some  of  the  men,  though  new  soldiers, 
proved  themselves  adepts  in  an  art  of  war  not  laid  down  in  the 
books — foraging.  The  regiment  was  composed  principally  of 
mon  who  were  not  only  honest  and  conscientious,  but  were 
men  of  honor  and  high  principle,  who  would  deem  it  an  unpar 
donable  insult  to  be  accused  of  taking  property,  under  any  cir 
cumstances,  riot  belonging  to  them.  But  there  were  some  who 
did  not  deem  it  dishonest  to  take  such  articles  of  food — chickens, 
pigs,  vegetables,  honey,  etc., — as  they  could  find  in  any  South 
ern  State,  while  a  very  few  seemed  to  think  themselves  licens 
ed  to  appropriate  to  their  own  use  any  and  everything  they 
could  find,  and  they  accused  the  officers  of  disloyalty  who  de 
nied  them  that  privilege. 

Kentucky  was  a  Southern  State,  and  many,  probably  a  ma 
jority,  of  its  citizens  were  secessionists.  Thousands  of  its 
best  and  bravest  young  men  were  in  the  Confederate  army. 
But  the  State  had  not  seceded  from  the  Union.  It  was  still 
one  of  the  States  of  the  Union,  and  as  such,  its  citizens  were 
entitled  to  the  protection  of  the  Union  armies.  Its  govern 
ment  claimed  to  be  neutral,  rendering  aid  and  comfort  neith 
er  to  one  side  nor  the  other.  While  this  position  was  unsatisfac 
tory  to  the  Unionists,  it  was  better  than  open  and  armed  re 
bellion  ;  and  it  was  the  policy  of  the  general  government  to 
conciliate,  as  far  as  possible,  all  the  Border  States,  and  keep 
them  from  joining  the  more  Southern  States  in  their  attempt 
to  destroy  the  Union.  It  may  have  been  unwise,  but  in  time 
of  war  a  passive  enemy  is  less  dangerous  than  an  active  ene 
my.  Again,  there  were  many  true  Union  men  in  Kentucky, 
and  if  soldiers  were  permitted  to  leave  their  commands  and 
forage  indiscriminately,  they  would  be  as  likely  to  rob  these, 
their  friends,  as  the  most  bitter  rebels.  But  there  were  more 
weighty  reasons  for  stamping  out,  right  at  the  start,  this  evil 


DISCIPLINE.  19 

practice.  There  is  nothing  more  destructive  to  the  morale  and 
c  ffici jncy  of  a  regiment  than  indiscriminate  foraging.  Instead 
of  a  regimen^  of  drilled,  disciplined  and  effective  soldiers,  it  be 
comes  a  mob  of  unruly,  worthless  marauders. 

CoL  Henderson  was  justly  proud  of  his  regiment  of  men,  ard 
lit-  was  determined  to  make  it  worthy  of  the  pride  of  its  ofti  - 
er.-i,  and  its  friends  at  home,  as  a  regiment  of  xobliers.  There 
wero  comparatively  few  refractory  men  in  the  regiment,  but  a 
few  such  soon  corrupt  and  destroy  the  efficiency  of  the  whole. 
The  men  were  just  from  the  pursuits  of  civil  life,  unused  to 
military  restraint,  and  did  not  understand  the  real  necessity 
of  strict  discipline.  But  Col.  Henderson  WAS  equal  to  the 
emergency.  He  talked  to  the  men — appealed  to  their  pride 
and  self-respect,  to  their  sense  of  honor  as  men  and  soldiers 
engaged  in  an  honorable  cause  :  and  in  rare  instances,  where 
tiu1  case  demanded  it,  he  threatened  severe  punishment,  in 
langi.iage  so  forcible  as  to  leave  no  doubt  of  his  intention  to  in 
flict  it  if  his  orders  were  not  obeyed.  Of  course  there  was 
some  grumbling,  some  irritation,  and  even  some  misrepresen 
tation  of  the  Colonel's  motives  ;  but  in  time  the  most  persist 
ed  forager  saw  and  admitted  the  justice  of  the  Colonel's  po- 
s  ti  )n  and  the  wisdom  of  his  course. 

And  right  there,  at  Big  Eagle,  was  laid  the  foundation  of 
the  proud  record  made  by  the  11'2 th  Illinois  in  its  three  years' 
service  in  the  ileld — winning  golden  opinions  from  citizens 
and  soldiers  for  its  good  conduct  in  camp,  its  orderly  appear 
ance  on  the  march  and  its  steady  bearing  and  courage  in  ac 
tion,  of  which  every  member  of  the  regiment  was  justly  proud, 
and  none  less  so  than  those  very  men  who  were  loudest  in 
their  denunciations  of  the  Colonel  for  insisting  upon  obedience 
to  just  orders  and  the  enforcement  of  proper  discipline.  And 
during  the  three  years  service  of  the  11'2'h  not  a  man  of  the 
regiment  was  subjected  to  any  humiliating  punishment — not 
a  man  was  disgraced  by  being  "bucked  and  gagged,"  "tied  v:p 
by  the  thumbs,"  or  by  the  imposition  of  any  other  unreason 
able  punishment — the  natural  and  legitimate  sequence  cf 
starting  right. 

October  '23d,  moved  from  Big  Eagle  at  3  o'clock  in  the  morn 
ing,  with  the  train,  and  marched  fifteen  miles  to  Georgetown ; 


20  HISTOKY.OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  on  the  24th  marched  to  Lexington — twelve  miles.  At 
Lexington,  after  several  changes  of  camp,  and  considerable 
delay  and  uncertainty  as  to  its  destination,  the  regiment  went 
into  winter  quarters  at  "Camp  Ella  Bishop." 

The  camp  was  named  in  honor  of  .a  spirited  Union  girl  of 
Laxington,  who,  a  short  time  before,  hadd  eiiantly  waved  the 
Union  flag  in  the  faces  of  the  Confederate  troops  who  occupi 
ed  the  city,  and  proclaimed  herself  for  the  Union  "now  and 
forever."  Enraged  at  her  audacity  they  quickly  surrounded 
her  and  demanded  its  surrender.  Coolly  wrapping  the  flag 
around  her  shoulders,  she  declared  she  would  die  before  she 
would  surrender  the  glorious  Stars  and  Stripes  to  rebels,  and 
dared  any  single  follower  of  the  stars  and  bars  to  attempt  its 
capture.  After  a  short  parley  the  rebel  soldiers  withdrew  and 
left  her  mistress  of  the  situation. 

At  Lexington  the  112th  Illinois  was  brigaded  with  the  45th 
Ohio  and  18th  and  22nd  Michigan  regiments,  under  the  com 
mand  of  Brigadier  General  Green  Clay  Smith,  until  January, 
1868,  when  Colonel  Doolittle,  of  the  18th  Michigan,  was  plac 
ed  in  command  of  the  brigade.. 

The  112th  remained  in  camp  at  Lexington,  performing  va 
rious  duties — among  which  was  considerable  provost  duly — 
and  engaged  in  squad,  company  and  batallion  drill  whenever 
the  weather  would  permit,  with  a  daily  dress  parade,  and  r  n 
occasional  review,  until  March,  1803.  It  was  a  rainy,  dreary, 
disagreeable  winter,  and  many  of  the  men,  unused  to  camp 
life,  suffered  severely.  There  was  much  sickness  in  camp  and 
many  deaths  ;  and  some  inefficients  were  weeded  out  and  dis 
charged  from  the  service.  On  the  13th  of  March,  out  of  f  59 
men  then  in  camp — many  being  on  detached  service — 300  were 
on  the  sick  list.  The  first  death  in  the  legiment  was  that  of 
John  F.  Negus,  of  Co.  F,  who  died  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  on  the 
17th  of  October,  1862.  To  March  31st,  18C3,  the  number  of 
deaths  in  the  regiment  was  thirty-two.  The  following  aie  the 
names  of  the  men  who  died  up  to  that  time : 

Co.  A — William  W.  McMillan,  Squire  S.  Pope  and  Truman 
A.  Woodruff. 

Co.  F — John  L.  Adams,  W7illiam  M.  Creighton,  George  Mil 
ler  and  George  W.  Oziah. 


DEATHS.  21 

Co.  D — Andrew  Body,  John  W.  Mahon  and  CliorodonE. 
Wheeler. 

Co.  I — Samuel  Barnhart  and  Herman  Hinkle. 

Co.  C — Joseph  J.  Hoover,  John  N.  Sellers  and  Joseph  E. 
Waters. 

Co.  H — Hans  Cornutson  and  Nels  Nelson. 

Co.  E — Corporal  William  G.  Wilkinson,  David  Barrett, 
Thomas  Cohvell,  James  W.  Katcliff,  William  E.L.  Smith  and 
Knssell  White. 

Co.  K — Corporal  Henry  J.  Buckols,  Moses  Bensinger,  Adam 
Whitehead  and  James  Wilson. 

Co.  G — -Daniel  Corlett  and  Michael  Millen. 

Co.  B — Spencer  Elston,  Jeremiah  Sargent  and  William  P. 
Wilson. 

When  the  regiment  moved  from  Lexington,  a  considerable 
number  of  men  were  left  sick  in  the  hospitals,  some  of  whom 
died,  others  were  discharged,  some-  were  transferred  to  the 
Veteran  Keserve  Corps,  and  a  few  were  detailed  and  remained 
at  the  hospitals  as  nurses ;  but  a  majority  recovered  from 
their  sickness,  much  of  it  caused  by  inactive  camp  life,  and 
rejoined  the  regiment  early  in  the  summer,  and  participated 
in  its  campaigns  and  marches  until  the  close  of  the  war,  or 
until  they  were  disabled  by  other  causalties. 

There  were  also  numerous  changes  of  officers  of  the  regi 
ment  during  the  winter  and  spring  of  1863. 

January  13th,  Dr.  Wesley  Phillips,  of  Burnt  Prairie,  White 
County,  Illinois,  a  young  physician,  but  one  who  proved  him 
self  capable  and  faithful  to  his  patients,  was  appointed  Second 
Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  regiment. 

January  31st,  First  Lieut.  Christian  G.  Gearhart,  of  Co.  K, 
resigned,  and  Second  Lieut.  Edward  H.  Colcord  was  promot 
ed  to  First  Lieut.,  and  First  Sergeant  Jacob  Bush,  of  the  same 
company,  was  promoted  to  the  second  lieutenancy. 

February  1st,  on  account  of  a  severe  injury  caused  by  a  fall 
of  his  horse,  which  produced  hernia,  Major  James  M.  Hosford 
resigned,  and  Captain  Tristram  T.  Dow,  of  Co.  A,  was  pro 
moted  to  Major. 

In  Co.  A,  First  Lieut.  Asa  A.  Lee  was  promoted  to  Captain ; 
Second  Lieut.  John  L.  Low  was  promoted  to  First  Lieut.,  and 


22  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

First  Sergeant  James  P.  McChesney  to  the  second  lieutenancy t 

March  5th,  First  Lieut.  Jackson  Lorance,  of  Co.  F,  resign 
ed.  Second  Lieut,  llobert  E.  Westfall  was  promoted  to  the 
first  and  First  Sergeant  James  G.  Armstrong  to  the  second 
lieutenancy. 

March  22nd,  Surgeon  Spaulding  resigned,  and  First  Assist 
ant  Snigeon  L.  S.  Milliken  was  promoted  to  Surgeon  of  the 
regiment. 

March  81st,  Capt.  James  B.  Doyle,  of  Co.  B,  resigned.  First 
Liout.  J.  C.  Dickerson  was  promoted  to  Captain,  Second  Lieut. 
Jjhn  Gudgel  to  First  Lieutenant,  and  First  Sergeant  B.  F. 
Thompson  to  Second  Lieutenant, 

March  31st,  Capt.  A.  W.  Albro,  of  Co.  G,  resigned.  First 
Lieut.  James  McCartney  was  promoted  to  Captain,  Second 
Lieut.  Thomas  E.  MiL-hriht  to  First  Lieut.,  and  First  Sergeant 
William  L.  Spaulding  to  Second  Lieutenant. 

Also,  same  date,  Second  Lieut.  Elisha  Atwater,  of  Co.  IT, 
resigned,  and  First  Sergeant  Jesse  Newman  was  promoted  to 
a  lieutenancy. 

April  12th,  Capt.  Joseph  Wesley,  of  Co.  K,  resigned.  First 
Lieut.  Edward  H.  Colcord  was  promoted  to  Captain,,  Second 
Lieut.  Jacob  Bush  to  First  Lieut,  and  First  Sergeant  Samuel 
W.  Weaver  to  Second  Lieutenant. 

May  14th,  Dr.  Charles  De  Haven  Jones,  of  Geneseo,  was  ap 
pointed  First  Assistant  Surgeon,  and  entered  upon  his  duties 
with  the  regiment. 

Nothing  of  special  interest  occurred  while  the  regiment  was 
at  Lexington  until  about  the  first  of  March.  The  officers,  with 
few  exceptions,  applied  themselves  diligently  to  the  study  of 
military  tactics,  and  imparted  to  the  men  the  knowledge  thus 
obtained;  and  it  was  not  long  before  the  112th  gained  an  en 
viable  reputation  for  excellency  of  drill  and  movement  and  for 
the  steady,  military  bearing  of  its  men.  And  right  here  it  may 
be  proper  to  state  that  in  this  regiment  there  was  not  that  diff 
erence  in  general  intelligence,  in  military  knowledge,  or  in  so 
cial  standing,  between  the  officers  and  enlisted  men,  that  was 
apparent  in  many  other  regiments.  The  officers  owed  their 
position  to  ihe  suffrages  of  the  men.  They  were  citizens  of  the 
same  communities ;  and  the  officers  were  elected  in  some  in- 


INTELLIGENCE  OF  THE  MEN.  23 

stances  without  any  knowledge  of,  and  without  any  regard  to, 
the  necessary  qualifications.  It  was  found  that  a  few  of  them, 
who  were  "good  fellows"  and  popular  among  the  people  at 
home,  wore  not  fitted  for  the  positions  they  thereby  secured, 
and  made  inferior  officers,  but  a  large  majority  of  them  prov 
ed  to  be  excellent  selections. 

But  the  men  were  not  mere  machines  to  be  moved  and 
maneuvered  at  the  will  of  others,  without  thought  or  knowledge 
of  the  reason  for  such  movements  ;•  they  endeavored  to  and  did 
siudy  and  understand  the  objects  of  the  different  movements, 
and  so  were  enabled  to  execute  them  with  precision,  and  took 
pride  and  pleasure  in  the  perfect  drill  and  discipline  of  the  re 
giment. 

It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  in  every  company  of  the  regi 
ment  there  were  enlisted  men  who  were  as  competent  to  perform 
the  duties  of  commissioned  officers  as  the  officers  of  their  com 
panies,  and  only  lacked  the  opportunity  to  prove  themselves 
equal,  and  in  many  cases  superior,  in  general  intelligence, 
knowledge  of  military  affairs  and  ability  to  command,  to  their 
officers. 


CHAPTER  III. 

OUR  FIRST  CAMPAIGN. 
PEGRAM'S  RAID  INTO  CENTRAL  KENTUCKY. 

The  I12th  Illinois  was  about  to  enter  upon  its  first  campaign 
—a  bloodless  one  it  proved  to  be,  and  in  the  light  of  after  ex 
perience,  a  ridiculous  one  ;  but  it  was  a  stern  reality  to  the 
regiment  at  the  time,  and  tried  the  patience  and  endurance  of 
officers  and  men ;  and  whatever  mistakes  and  blunders  may 
have  been  made,  the  112th  was  in  no  wise  responsible  for  them. 

Many  times  during  the  winter  Union  refugees  from  East 
Tennessee  had  brought  reports  from  over  the  mountains  that 
the  rebels  were  making  extensive  preparations  to  invade  Ken 
tucky  in  early  spring,  and  the  Kentucky  secessionists  predict 
ed  that  the  Union  army  would  be  driven  from  the  State. 

Buckner  was  reported  to  be  securely  posted  in  the  mountain 
passes  south  of  the  Cumberland,  with  a  force  of  from  twenty 
to  twenty-five  thousand  men,  waiting  only  for  the  approach  of 
spring  to  commence  a  forward  movement.  If  this  were  true, 
his  force  outnumbered  the  Union  troops  nearly  two  to  one,  for 
the  la'ter,  including  all  arms,  did  not  exceed  fifteen  thousand 
men  in  the  whole  State.  The  strength  of  Buckner's  army  was 
probably  greatly  exaggerated,  but  he  had  the  advantage  of  a 
superior  force  of  cavahy,  many  of  them  Kentiickians,  well 
moimied,  and  thoroughly  acquainted  with  every  highway  and 
by-way  in  that  region  of  country,  and  with  all  the  fords  arid 


GENEEAL  SITUATION.  25 

ferries  on  the  numerous  rivers,  and  passes  in  the  mountains, 
—bold  riders  and  daring  raiders  as  ever  robbed  a  citizen  or 
sacked  a  town, — numbering  about  live  thousand;  while  the 
Union  cavalry  and  infantry  combined  did  not  exceed  two 
thousand. 

The  Union  lines  extended  nearly  the  whole  length  of  the 
State,  from  northeast  to  southwest ;  and  with  the  numerous 
bridges  and  crossings  to  guard,  and  passes  in  the  mountains 
to  watch,  it  was  an  easy  matter  for  the  rebel  cavalry  to  elude 
the  Union  pickets,  break  through  the  lines  and  make  frequent 
inroads  into  the  interior  of  the  State. 

The  blue  grass  region  of  Central  Kentucky  offered  an  invit 
ing  Held  of  operations  to  the  rebel  raider.  It  abounded  with 
go-);l  horses,  mules  and  fat  cattle,  and  stores  of  provis 
ions,  which  were  "confiscated  "from  friend  and  foe  alike  for  the 
use  of  the  rebel  army.  Many  of  its  most  influential  citizens 
were  avowed  secessionists,  or  secretly  sympathized  with  the 
South  in  its  war  against  the  Union,  and  gave  freely  of  their 
means  to  aid  the  Southern  cause.  Its  young  men,  imbued 
with  the  spirit  of  adventure,  were  easily  persuaded  to  join  the 
ranks  of  the  dashing  cavaliers. 

A  considerable  number  of  these  troops  were  representatives 
of  the  " first  families"  of  the  blue  grass  section  (thoroughbreds), 
and  they  were  sure  to  meet  with  a  warm  welcome,  and  obtain 
valuable  information  from  their  friends  and  neighbors  at  home  ; 
and  there  were  many  beautiful  women — most  bitter  secession 
ists —  who  smiled  sweetly  upon  the  bold  rebel  raider,  listened 
attentively  to  his  narrative  of  personal  adventure,  and  incited 
him  to  greater  exploits  in  the  warfare  against  the  Union. 

Early  in  February  a  force  of  rebel  cavalry  under  Col.  Clukes 
entered  the  State,  and  made  its  appearance  in  the  vicinity  of 
Kichmoml  and  Winchester,  and  threatened  Lexington ;  and 
several  times  the  to\\ii  was  greatly  alarmed  and  the  troops 
were  called  out  to  lepel  an  expected  attack.  Be-inforcements 
we. e  hurried  f  rward  to  threatened  points,  and  all  the  roads 
leading  into  the  town  were  strongly  picketed  and  daily  patroll 
ed. 

One  by  one  the  regiments  at  Lexington  were  ordered  away, 
until  all  were  gone  except  the  112th  Illinois,  and  Col.  Hcnder- 


26  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

son  was  in  command,  of  the  Post.  Other  troops  soon  arrived, 
however;  among  them  the  100th  Ohio  without  tents,  which 
was  taken  in  and  cared  for  by  the  112th. 

On  the  23d  Capt.  T.  T.  Dow,  with  a  mounted  force  of  about 
twenty-five  men.  of  the  112th  Illinois,  proceeded  out  on  the 
Winchester  Pike  on  a  reconnoissance.  Seventeen  miles  from 
Lexington,  they  encountered  a  rebel  cavalry  force  of  250  men, 
—part  of  Morgan's  command — and  immediately  fired  into 
them.  Capt.  Dow  and  his  little  command  were  compelled  to 
retreat  before  the  superior  force  of  the  enemy,  and  were  cut 
off,  completely  surrounded,  and  made  prisoners  of  war. 

They  were  robbed  of  hats,  boots,  gloves,  overcoats  and  mon 
ey  and  oilier  valuables,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  24th  were 
paroled  and  permitted  to  return  to  the  Union  lines.  The  next 
day  a  rebel  squad,  consisting  of  Capt.  Morgan'(John  Morgan's 
brother),  one  lieutenant  and  fifteen  men,  was  captured  six 
miles  from  Lexington,  and  brought  into  camp.  Morgan  was 
wearing  Capt.  Dow's  gloves,  and  they  wrere  returned  to  him 
with  thanks  for  their  use. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  men  captured : 

Co.  A— Capt.  T.  T.  Dow  and  Edwin  Demott. 

Co.  F — Henry  C.  Ackley  and  George  W.  Hhodes, 

Co.  D — Corp'l  Leander  Woodruff,  Edwin  W.  Brown,  Frank 
lin  Buckley,  Oswin  Caliow,  William  Eastman,  Edward  O'Brien 
and  Joseph  E.  Patterson. 

Co.  I — John  Hamilton  and  Randolph  M.  States. 

Co.  C — Thomas  Anderson,  William  P.  Decker  and  George 
B.  Lower. 

Co.  H — Serg.  Lewis  Norton.  John  D.  Bennett,  Alfred  Ham 
ilton  aod  Amos  Thompson. 

Co,  K — Moses  St.  Mary. 
Co.  B— Nicholas  Hill. 

During  Capt.  Dow's  absence  he  was  promoted  to  Major  of 
the  regiment,  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  Major  Hosford's 
resignation,  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  that  office  upon 
his  return  to  the  regiment  in  the  following  April. 

The  men  were  sent  to  Parole  Camp,  at  Benton  Barracks,  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  on  the  4th  of  March,  where  Joseph  E.  Patterson 
of  Co.  D,  died,  and  the  rest  remained  until  their  exchange,  on 


CAPTURED  AND  PAROLED.  27 

the  Will  of  the  following  September.  The  regiment  was  then 
in  East  Tennessee,  and  they  were  sent  forward  by  way  of  Nash 
ville  ;  but  when  they  arrived  there,  the  regiment  was  besieged 
in  Knoxville,  and  they  returned  to  Lexington.  From  Lexing 
ton  they  went  with  a  wagon  train  to  Cumberland  Gap,  and 
tbence  to  Tazewell,  and  from  there  to  Bean's  Station,  where 
they  rejoined  the  regiment  on  the  14th  of  Decembar. 

On  the  same  day  that  Capt.  Dow  and  his  men  were  captured, 
St3phen  B.  Otis  and  James  A.  Chase,  of  Co.  D,  were  on  pa 
trol  duty  on  the  Richmond  Pike,  near  Lexington,  and  were  ap 
proached  by  a  squad  of  mounted  men  wearing  Federal  over 
coat-;,  whom  they  supposed  to  be  Union  soldiers.  Otis  halted 
them  ;  and  one  of  thsm  inquired  if  he  had  seen  any  rebels. 
He  replied  that  he  had  not.  "What  would  you  do,"  inquired 
one  of  thorn,  "if  a  rebel  officer  should  command  you  to  surren 
der?"  He  replied  that  he  would  not  surrender.  "Well,"  said 
the  man  on  horse-back,  throwing  open  his  coat  and  displaying 
a  Confederate  uniform,  "I  am  a  rebel  officer,  and  I  command 
you  to  surrender."  Quick  as  a  flash  Otis  brought  his  gun  to 
his  shoulder  and  lired,  and  the  rebel  officer  tumbled  off  his 
horse,  severely  wounded. 

The  wounded  officer  proved  to  be  Major  Steele,  a  brother-in- 
law  of  the  notorious  John  Morgan.  Otis  was  also  slightly 
wounded  in  the  thigh,  and  he  and  Chase  were  both  captured 
and  taken  to  the  rebel  camp.  Major  Steele  sent  for  Otis  and 
he  was  taken  to  the  Major's  quarters.  Steele  inquired  why  he 
had  shot  him,  and  Otis  replied,  "i  thought  you  intended  to 
shoot  me,  and  I  thought  1  would  take  the  first  chance."  "Well," 
said  Steele,  "you  are  a  brave  soldier;"  and  he  requested  the 
guards  to  take  good  care  of  him,  saying  that  he  deserved  good 
treatment  for  his  bravery.  They  were  paroled  the  next  morn 
ing  and  returned  to  Lexington,  and  were  sent  to  Parole 
Camp  at  St.  Louis,  with  the  men  captured  with  Capt.  Dow. 
On  his  return  to  the  regiment  Otis  was  promoted  to  corporal. 

About  8  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  March  1st,  Capt.  Doyle, 
of  Co.  B,  and  Capt.  Albro,  of  Co.  G,  with  the  officers  and  men 
of  their  companies,  and  one  hundred  men  detailed  from  the 
other  companies,  were  ordered  to  report  at  once  to  Col.  Saun- 
ders  in  the  city.  The  detachment  was  mounted,  and  accom- 


28  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

panied  by  one  section  (two  pieces)  of  Law's  battery,  and  march 
ed  at  midnight  towards  Winchester.  They  arrived  at  Win 
chester  at  daylight  and  drove  a  small  rebel  forcj  out  of  town. 
The  detachment  was  here  joined  by  a  detachment  of  the  45th 
Ohio  (mounted)  infantry  and  of  the  2nd  Kentucky  cavaliy,  un 
der  command  of  Col.  Hankie.  The  whole  force,  under  com 
mand  of  Col.  Saunders,  then  proceeded  toward  Mt.  St3iling. 
When  about  half  way  to  Mt.  Sterling  they  encountered  a  rebel 
cavalry  picket  force  of  about  one  hundred  men,  and  charged 
upon  them  and  drove  them  into  Mt.  Sterling  with  such  speed 
that  the  rebel  troops  in  town  had  no  time  to  get  into  position, 
but  were  swept  along  and  driven  pell  mell  out  of  town  arid 
across  Slate  Creek. 

Two  regiments  of  cavalry  were  raised  in  Mt.  Sterling  and  vi 
cinity — the  2nd  Kentucky  Union,  and  the  2nd  Kentucky  rebel. 
The  rebel  regiment  was  in  town  when  the  Union  troops  made 
the  charge  upon  them.  Among  the  Union  forces  was  Major 

— ,  in  command  of  a  battalion  of  the  2nd  Kentucky  Union 
cavalry.  The  Major's  home  was  in  the  outskirts  of  town,  and 
Lis  n:o  hdr  re^'dtd  en  one  of  the  principal  streets  in  the  heart 
of  the  town.  The  old  lady  heard  a  great  confusion  outside, 
and  running  to  the  window,  threw  it  open,  and  saw  a  battalion 
of  the  2nd  Kentucky  rebel  regiment  riding  headlong  down  the 
street,  closely  pursued  by  the  battalion  of  the  2nd  Kentucky 
Union  regiment,  her  son  at  the  head,  urging  forward  his  men. 
She  was  wearing  an  old-fashioned  "poke"  bonnet,  and  leaning 
far  out  of  the  window  and  taking  off  her  bonnet  and  swinging- 
it  in  the  air,  amid  the  rattle  of  carbine  and  pistol  shots,  the 
clashing  of  sabres  and  the  yells  of  the  men,  she  cheered  on 
the  Union  troops,  and  shouted  to  her  son  at  the  top  of  her 
voice,  "That's  right  John,  give  it  to  'em  !  Go  for  'em,  John  ! 
Give  it  to  'em.  John!  They're  rebels,  John,  give  it  to  'em!" 
John  did  "give  it  to  'em,"  much  to  the  old  lady's  satisfaction; 
but  he  was  wounded  in  the  onslaught,  although  not  severely. 

Col.  Saunders  occupied  Mt.  Sterling  with  his  troops ;  but 
the  rebels  hovered  in  the  vicinity,  and  there  was  daily  skirm 
ishing  between  the  pickets  and  scouting  parties  of  the  opposite 
sides,  and  a  number  of  prisoners  captured  by  both  parties. 
The  detachment  from  the  112th  was  engaged  in  several  sharp 


TWO  KENTUCKY  REGIMENTS.          29 

skirmishes,  but  with  no  serious  casualties ;  and  on  the  10th  of 
March  was  relieved  and  returned  to  Lexington. 

Co.  K  was  also  mounted  about  the  same  time,  and  under 
command  of  Lieut.  E.  H.  Colcord  was  sent  to  Paris,  and  re 
mained  in  that  vicinity  about  two  weeks,  scouting  the  country, 
and  captured  a  large  number  of  horses  and  a  considerable 
number  of  prisoners. 

These  several  detachments  were  dismo:m  el  on  their  return 
to  Lexington,  and  lejoinel  the  legiment  at  Camp  Ella  Bishop. 

On  the  2nd  of  March  one  of  our  scouting  parties  captured 
twenty-eight  prisoners,  among  whom  was  Morgan's  letter  car 
rier,  having  in  his  possession  220  letters,  many  of  them  ad 
dressed  to  prominent  citizens  of  Kentucky,  an  1  some  tender 
missives  from  the  boys  in  gray  to  the'girls  they  had  left  behind 
them. 

On  the  19!h  of  March,  Lieut.  Pefrie,  of  Co.  C,  was  ordered 
to  report  with  forty  men,  to  Capt.  Wright,  who  with  about  the 
same  number  of  men  from  Co.  F,  was  ordered  to  proceed  t) 
Boonsboro,  on  the  Kentucky  River,  where  they  constructed  a 
fort,  under  tbe  direction  of  Capt.  Brooks,  engineer  on  Gen. 
Gillmore's  staff,  to  defend  the  crossing  of  the  river  on  the  Win 
chester  and  Richmond  pike.  The  detachment  met  with  sev 
eral  adventures,  in  one  of  which  Lieut.  Petrie  and  three  ofjiis 
men  came  near  being  drowned  by  the  capsizing  of  a  "dugout'' 
in  which  they  were  crossing  the  river  in  the  night.  They  were 
frequently  interrupted  in  their  work  by  detachments  of  rebel 
cavalry,  and  at  one  time  were  called  out  in  the  night  to  dispute 
the  advance  of  a  force  which  proved  to  be  the  14th  Ky.  (Union) 
regiment.  The  detachment  was  relieved  on  the  3d  of  April 
and  proceeded  to  Lexington,  where  it  joined  Capt.  Sroufe  in 
command  of  the  camp,  and  all  joined  the  regiment  at  Mil- 
ledgeville  on  the  9th  of  April. 

About  the  20th  of  March,  Col.  Wolford  of  the  First  Kentucky 
cavalry,  reported  a  heavy  force  of  the  enemy  in  his  front  at  M  11 
Springs,  on  the  Cumberland  River.  General  Carter  ordered 
the  infantry  in  his  command  to  concentrate  at  Danville  in 
readiness  to  meet  any  advance  of  the  enemy. 

On  the  21st  the  112th  Illinois  embarked  on  the  cars  at  Lex 
ington  and  proceeded  to  Nicholasville,  the  terminus  of  the  rail- 


30  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

road,  and  thence  marched  in  a  pouring  rain  for  Danville,  Ky., 
where  it  arrived  on  the  evening  of  the  28d,  and,  having  no 
tents,  found  shelter  in  buildings,  public  and  private. 

Co.  E  bivouacked  in  the  couit  house,  but  at  ten  o'clock  was 
ordered  to  return  to  Dick's  Eiver  and  guard  the  bridge.  Af  er 
a  march  of  six  miles,  in  the  rain,  Capt.  Ohnan  and  his  com 
pany  occupied  the  bridge,  wiiicii  was  covered  and  afforded  shel 
ter  from  the  storm. 

On  the  22nd  Wolford's  lines  on  the  Cumberland  were  1)  ok- 
en  by  a  division  of  cavalry  under  the  rebel  general  Peg  am, 
supported  by  a  strong  force  of  infantry,  an  1  Wolford  was  com 
pelled  to  fall  back,  to  protect  his  Hanks.  Pegram  eluded  Wol 
ford  and  marched  rapidly  toward  Danville,  and  at  the  same 
time  other  rebel  forces  crossed  the  river  above  and  swept  for 
ward  toward  Piichmond  and  Mt.  Sterling. 

Gen.  Gillmore,  in  command  of  the  Union  army,  ordered  (-Jon. 
Carter  to  call  in  his  outposts  and  fall  back  across  t-ie  Ken 
tucky  Paver,  and  occupy  a  strong  position  at  Camp  Nelson. 

It  was  confidently  believed  by  the  Union  generals  that  P;>- 
gram's  cavalry  was  the  advance  guard  of  Buckner's  whole  ar 
my,  and  that  the  long  talked  of  invasion  of  Kentucky  had  <ic- 
tually  taken  place.  They  were  paralyze;!  by  the  very  audacity 
of  the  rebel  troopers,  and  seemed  incapable  of  understanding 
the  situation  or  of  adopting  the  necessary  measures  to  repel 
the  rebel  forces.  But  one  officer  among  the  brigade  and  di 
vision  commanders  seemed  to  comprehend  the  true  state  of  af 
fairs,  and  that  was  Col.  Wolford  of  the  1st  Kentucky  cavalry. 
Wolford's  regiment  seemed  to  be  everywhere  at  the  same  time. 
They  were  on  their  native  soil  and  knew  every  foot  of  the  coun 
try  thoroughly,  and  seemed  to  have  cart  blanche  to  g.)  when 
and  where  they  pleased  and  return  when  they  got  ready. 
They  knew  but  little  about  drill,  and  discipline  was  a  stranger 
to  them,  but  the  men  had  the  utmost  confidence  in  their  col 
onel  and  he  in  them.  Every  man  was  a  brigadier  on  his  o\\ii 
hook,  and  a  majority  of  them  believed  themselves  superior  to 
the  average  brigadier.  "Two  ranks  into  four,  git — go, "'was 
their  ordinary  and  almost  only  command ;  and  away  they 
would  go,  at  break-neck  speed,  and  woe  ;o  the  rebel  who  cross 
ed  their  path.  Brave,  generous  men — bold,  daring  soldiers — 


ORDERED  FORWARD.  31 

they  had  the  utmost  contempt  for  red  tape,  discipline,  dress 
parade  and  reviews,  but  were  always  on  hand  when  there  wj.s 
a  ly  lighting  to  do.  and  nothing  gave  them  so  m.ich  satisfac 
tion  as  to  get  a  "wlia^k"  at  a  rebel. 

At  midnight  of  the  23d  of  March,  the  112th  Illinois  was  or 
dered  to  fall  back  at  once  to  Dick's  River  bridge,  on  the  Lex 
ington  pike,  and  hold  it  "at  all  hazards."  The  regiment 
marched  at  once,  and  by  daylight  was  in  the  designated  posi 
tion  ;  but  as  there  was  not  a  rebel  in  sigh",  the  position  was 
not  extremely  hazardous. 

In  the  evening  of  the  24th  the  command  was  ordered  to  fall 
back  to  the  Kentucky  River  at  the  Hickman,  and  made  a  night 
march,  retreating  before  what  was  still  believed  to  be  a  super 
ior  force  of  the  enemy. 

By  an  oversight  of  the  brigade  commander  or  some  officer 
of  his  staff,  Co.  E,  which  occupied  the  bridge,  was  not  reliev 
ed  when  the  command  fell  back.  This  was  not  discovered  un 
til  the  command  had  marched  a  considerable  distance ;  and 
Adjutant  Wells  at  'once  started  back  to  relieve  the  company 
from  its  perilous  position.  Wolford's  cavalry,  the  rear  guard, 
had  crossed  the  bridge,  and  Capt.  Otinaii  found  himself  con 
fronted  by  a  force  in  front,  and  at  the  same  time  detachments 
were  crossing  above  and  below  to  cut  off  his  retreat.  Adju 
tant  Wells  came  riding  down  the  road  at  a  rapid  pace  and  call 
ed  out  to  him,  "Get  out  of  there  as  soon  as  you  can,  the 
command  is  half  way  to  the  Kentucky  River  !"  Capt.  Ctman 
then  learned  for  the  first  time  that  the  command  had  fallen 
back.  He  succeeded  in  eluding  the  rebel  cavalry,  by  reason 
of  the  darkness,  and  after  a  hard  night's  march  joined  the  reg 
iment  on  the  nordi  bank  of  the  Kentucky  River  near  the  Hick- 
m  in  bridge. 

The  next  day  the  whole  command  fell  back  to  Nicholasville, 
s'ill  retreating  before  a  force  which  the  112th  Illinois,  a  year 
lifer,  would  not  have  hesitated  to  attack  alone  and  unsupport- 
el. 

Five  men  of  the  112th,  William  C.  Biggs,  Jesse  B.  Kilgore 
a  id  Andrew  Peterson  of  Co.  K,  John  Got'a^der  of  Co.  FT  and 
Jerry  H.  Bailey  of  Co.  E,  had  been  left  in  hospital,  sick,  at 
D.iuville,  and  were  captured  and  paroled  by  the  enemy,  and 


32  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

were  sent  to  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio,  where  they  remained  until 
exchanged.  Jesse  B.  Kilgore  was  sent  from  Camp  Dennison 
to  St.  Louis,  and  after  his  exchange  was  sent  to  Indianapolis 
and  transferred  to  the  Veteran  Eeserve  Corps. 

By  this  time  it  was  discovered  that  the  "great  invasion"  of 
Kentucky  was  no  invasion  at  all,  hut  simply  a  raid  hy  a  strong- 
force  of  cavalry  in  quest  of  booty — a  grand  foraging,  stealing 
expedition — that  while  keeping  up  a  hold  front  along  the  line 
of  the  Kentucky  River,  the  rebel  troops  had  been  actively  at 
work  gathering  up  horses,  mules,  cattle,  boots  and  shoes,  and 
whatever  else  they  could  lay  their  hands  on,  and  sending  their 
"plunder"  on  converging  roads  to  Somerset,  and  thence  across 
the  Cumberland  into  the  Confederate  lines  in  the  mountainous 
regions  south  of  the  river,  where  Buckner's  "infantry"  were 
waiting  to  receive  it.  And  now  the  order  was  given  to  "about 
face,"  the  advance  was  sounded,  and  instead  of  retreating  we 
started  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 

On  the  28th  of  March  the  112th  Illinois,  with  other  regiments 
of  infantry,  moved  from  Nicholasville,  on  the  Danville  road 
as  far  as  Dick's  River,  but  the  enemy  having  burn e.l  the  bridge, 
the  command  turned  into  Camp  Dick  Robinson  for  the  nigh". 
Having  no  tents  or  blankets — they  being  on  the  wagons — and 
the  ground  being  wet  and  cold,  the  men  built  tires  and  sat 
around  them  until  one  o'clpck  in  the  morning  of  the  29th,  and 
then  proceeded  to  Lancaster,  where  the  command  arrived  at 
daylight.  Remained  at  Lancaster  until  11  o'clock,  and  then 
marched  four  miles,  on  the  Danville  road,  to  the  river,  when  it 
was  discovered  that  that  bridge  had  also  been  burned  by  the 
enemy.  Returned  to  Lancaster,  and  marched  on  the  Crab  Or 
chard  road  twelve  miles  to  the  river,  and  found  that  the  bridge 
there  had  also  been  burned.  The  wagon  train  having  come  up, 
the  wagons  were  unloaded  and  rolled  into  the  river,  and  the 
troops  crossed  over  on  them,  leaving  everything  except  arms 
and  ammunition,  and  proceeded  to  Crab  Orchard  and  bivou 
acked  in  buildings,  having  marched  twenty  miles,  on  solid  stone 
pikes,  since  11  o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  enemy  was  now 
in  rapid  retreat  toward  the  Cumberland,  closely  pursued  by 
Wolford  with  a  brigade  of  cavalry  and  mounted  infantry ;  and 
early  in  the  morning  of  the  31st  the  infantry  proceeded,  by  a 


SKIRMISHING.  88 

rapid  march,  on  the  Somerset  road  to  their  support.  But  in 
fantry  cannot  keep  up  with  mounted  troops,  especially  when 
the  latter  are  in  pursuit  of  retreating  mounted  forces;  and 
when  we  had  marched  sixteen  miles  we  were  informed  that  our 
cavalry  and  mounted  infantry  had  overtaken  the  rear  guard  of 
the  enemy  at  Dut  ton's  Hill,  near  Somerset,  and  after  a  sharp 
fight  had  defeated  and  driven  them  across  the  Cumberland, 
capturing  a  number  of  prisoners,  and  a  large  herd  of  cattle, 
and  considerable  other  property,  which  the  rebels  had  failed 
to  get  across  the  river. 

The  infantry  command  bivouacked  in  the  woods,  and  the 
next  day  (April  1)  returned  to  Crab  Orchard  and  encamped  in 
buildings  again. 

On  the  2nd  of  April  the  112th  Illinois,  with  the  rest  of  the 
brigade,  marched  to  Stanford,  where  the  wagon  train  was  met. 
Here  the  112  ch  was  detached  from  the  brigade,  and  a  new  bri 
gade  formed,  consisting  of  the  112th  Illinois,  the  32nd  Ken 
tucky  and  the  45th  Ohio  (mounted  infantry)  under  the  com 
mand  of  Col.  Ben.  P.  liunkle,  of  the  45th  Ohio. 

On  the  4th  of  April  the  112th  marched  from  Stanford  to 
Houston ville,  twelve  miles,  and  camped  for  the  night  in  a  large 
academy  ;  and  the  next  day  marched  to  Milledge ville,  on  the 
Houstonville  and  Danville  road,  nine  miles  from  Danville,  and 
pitched  tents  and  went  into  camp,  preparatory  to  being  mount 
ed.  It  was  determined  by  those  in  authority  to  supply  the  de 
ficiency  in  cavalry  by  mounting  several  infantry  regiments, 
and  the  112th  Illinois  was  one  of  the  regiments  selected  for 
that  service. 

The  camp  was  named  "  Camp  Burnside, "  in  honor  of  Gen.  A.  E . 
Burnside,  who  had  recently  arrived  from  the  east  to  take  com 
mand  of  the  Department  of  the  Ohio.  And  Col.  Kunkle  an 
nounced  in  a  general  order  that  the  brigade  should  be  known 
a  i  "The  Excelsior  Brigade  of  Mounted  Kifles" — although  there 
was  110  intent'on  of  mounting  the  32nd  Kentucky,  and  there 
was  not  a  single  rifle  in  the  112th  Illinois.  The  regiment  had 
been  armed,  at  Peoria,  with  old  Harper's  Ferry  muskets — the 
best  that  could  be  obtained  at  the  time.  Col.  Henderson  had 
—3 


34  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

repeatedly  endeavored  to  procure  better  arms,  but  thus  far  had 
received  nothing  but  promises. 

The  regiment  was  needlessly  encumbered  in  its  movements 
with  a  "regimental  wagon  train"  of  fifteen  wagons — one  for 
each  company  and  five  for  headquarters  and  quartermaster's 
and  hospital  stores.  Even  then  there  was  considerable  com 
plaint  by  some  of  the  officers  and  men  of  lack  of  sufficient 
transportation,  and  it  required  no  little  ingenuity  to  pack  all 
the  baggage  and  camp  and  garrison  equipage  upon  the  wagons. 
Later  in  our  term  of  service,  when  transportation  was  reduced 
to  one  wagon  to  a  regiment,  and  at  times  to  but  one  wagon  for 
a  brigade,  the  men  experienced  no  difficulty — had  all-the  trans 
portation  needed — could  have  got  along^very  well,  in  fact 
did,  for  weeks  at  a  time,  without  any,  save  knapsacks  and  hav 
ersacks  and  pockets. 

When  the  regiment  moved  from  Lexington  a  considerable 
number  of  men  who  were  unable  to  march  had  been  left  in 
camp,  and  Capt.  Sroufe  had  been  left  in  command.  The  sick 
and  convalescent  who  were  left  in  hospital  having  recovered 
from  their  illness  with  the  approach  of  warm  weather,  and 
others  who  were  on  detached  duty  in  Lexington  .having  been 
relieved  and  joined  Capt.  S route  in  camp,  and  the  detach 
ment  from  Boonesboro  having  also  joined  them,  all  now  re 
joined  the  regiment,  and  the  112th  Illinois  once  more  assumed 
its  old  proportions;  and  all,  officers  and  men,  commenced 
making  preparations  for  the  next  campaign. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

"MOUNTED  INFANTRY" — SOMERSET  AND  MONTICELLO. 

Details  were  made  from  all  the  companies  and  sent  to  Lex 
ington,  under  command  of  Capt.  Dunn,  after  horses  and  ac 
coutrements.  On  the  24th  of  April  they  returned  with  all  that 
could  then  be  obtained,  but  only  enough  to  mount  six  compa 
nies  ;  and  the  next  day  companies  D,  C,  E,  K,  G  and  B  select 
ed  horses,  and  drew  saddles,  bridles,  etc.,  and  fitted  them  to 
the  horses. 

On  the  '26th  the  regiment  drew  clothing  ;  and  it  had  hardly 
been  distributed  to  the  men  when  an  order  was  received  to 
prepare  to  move  at  once,  and  in  less  than  an  hour  the  regi 
ment  was  on-the  road  marching  toward  Somerset.  Tents  were 
left  standing ;  no  extra  clothing  or  other  baggage  was  taken, 
no  wagons  accompanied  the  regiment,  and  the  sick  were  left  in 
camp.  Another  lot  of  horses  arrived  soon  after  the  regiment 
had  left,  and  the  next  day  a  detail  was  sent  back  after  them. 
They  overtook  the  regiment  late  that  night  with  horses 
enough  to  mount  company  H  and  part  of  company  I.  The 
command  arrived  at  Somerset  on  the  morning  of  the  28th, 
where  it  joined  other  troops  under  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Car 
ter,  and  on  the  30th  the  whole  force  moved  south  across  the 
Cumberland.  The  infantry  and  artillery  crossed  at  StigalFs 
Ferry.  Companies  A,  F  and  part  of  I,  of  the  112th  Illinois, 
not  being  mounted,  accompanied  the  infantry,  and  by  order  of 
Gen.  Carter  remained  at  the  ferry,  to  guard  the  crossing  and 


36  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

take  charge  of  the  ferry  boat — an  old  flat-bottomed  scow,  pro 
pelled  by  men  palling  hand  over  hand  on  a  rope  stretched  from 
shore  to  shore,  across  the  river. 

The  mounted  troops,  including  the  112th  Illinois,  crossed  the 
river  near  Mill  Springs.  The  men  were  ferried  over,  and  .he 
horses  unsaddled  and  driven  into  the  river  and  made  to  swim 
— one  horse  leading  the  way,  his  rider  swimming  behind  ?md 
guiding  him  by  the  tail,  and  the  other  horses  following.  rj  he 
troops  passed  over  the  old  battle-ground  where  the  Union  ar 
my,  under  Gen.  George  II.  Thomas,  had  dei'ea'ed  the  rebel  ar 
my  under  Crittenden  and  Zollicoffer,  on  the  HUi  of  January, 
1862  ;  and  the  Kentuckians  pointed  out  the  place  where  Zolli- 
coffer  was  standing  when  he  was  killed.  V\e  looked  wi  h  con 
siderable  curiosity,  not  unmixed  with  awe,  upon  the  long  lines 
of  breast- works  and  riile  pits. 

Our  advance  reached  Moiiticello  early  on  the  morning  of 
May  2d,  where  a  small  force  of  rebels  was  s  rong'.y  posted  on 
a  hill.  The  112:h  Illinois  charged  up  the  hill  and  the  rebels 
retreated.  They  were  closely  pursued  about  four  miles,  wl.en 
they  were  joined  by  a  larger  force,  under  Col.  Chenault,  and 
occupied  a  strong  position  on  a  high  hill,  Cap!:-.  Law's  bat 
tery  was  brought  to  the  front  and  gave  them  a  few  shells,  to 
which  they  replied  with  artillery.  They  \\ere  partially  con- 
C3aled  by  timber,  so  their  numbers  could  not  be  even  guessed 
at,  and  our  troops  were  ordered  to  fall  back,  as  if  in  reLreat,  to 
draw  them  from  their  concealment.  But  the  ruse  did  not 
work  ;  they  refused  to  follow,  and  the  L^nion  cavalry,  support 
ed  by  the  112th  Illinois,  dismounted,  charged  up  the  hill  and 
routed  them  from  their  position.  Co.  C,  of  the  112th  Illinois, 
was  detached  and  sent  to  the  left,  on  a  road  leading  from  the 
south,  and  deployed  and  ascended  the  hill,  covered  with  tim 
ber,  in  splendid  style,  Lieuts.  Mitchell  and  lV:rie  being  in 
command.  It  was  now  nearly  dark,  and  the  command  was 
ordered  back  to  Moiiticello. 

This  was  the  first  time  the  112 lh  had  been  under  fire  ;  and 
although  it  was  not  severely  engaged  and  suffered  no  loss,  the 
regiment  W7as  highly  complimented  by  Col.  Wolford  for  its  good 
conduct  and  steadiness,  who  could  hardly  believe  that  was  its 
first  experience  under  fire. 


DROWNED  IN  THE  CUMBERLAND.  37 

At  6  o'clock  that  evening  Lieut.  Thompson,  of  the  112th,  and 
an  officer  of  the  45th  Ohio,  were  ordered  to  start  at  once  and 
go  to  Milledgoviile,  seventy  miles,  and  bring  the  men  left  in 
camp,  and  the  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  forward  to  Som 
erset 

The  rebel  forces  retreated  toward  Tennessee,  closely  pursued 
by  the  Union  cavalry  aad  Law's  battery,  and  as  it  was  next  to 
impossible  to  transport  supplies  over  the  rough  roads  and 
across  the  river  to  Monticello,  the  infantry,  foot  and  mounted, 
and  artillery  returned  to  Somerset.  In  crossing  the  river  an 
unfortunate  accident  occurred  ;  one  of  the  boats  was  capsized, 
and  one  captain  and  thirty-two  men  of  the  27th  New  Jersey 
regiment — of  the  9th  Corps,  brought  from  the  East  by  Gen. 
Burnside — were  drowned.  The  men  were  encumbered  with 
knapsacks  and  unable  to  swim,  and  were  swept  down  stream 
by  the  rapid  current,  and  sank  beneath  the  waters  before  aid 
could  be  rendered.  Lieut.  Dow,  of  Co.  A,  and  several  men  of 
his  company  and  of  Co.  F,  who  were  managing  the  boat,  nar 
rowly  escaped  di owning.  One  crmpany  of  the  112th  (B)  came 
near  meeting  I  he  same  fate  as  the  New  Jersey  company. 

The  tents  and  camp  equipage  of  the  regiment  reached  Som 
erset  the  same  day  as  the  regiment,  May  8th,  and  there  the 
command  went  into  camp.  Company  F,  and  a  few  mounted 
men  to  be  used  as  scouts,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Wright, 
were  ordered  to  remain  at  the  river  and  guard  the  ferry  ;  and 
detachments  were  also  stationed  at  other  points  above  and  be 
low,  to  guard  the  numerous  crossings.  The  Cumberland  at 
that  point  is  quite  wide,  and  a  portion  of  each  year  is  naviga 
ble.  At  times  of  low  water  it  may  be  forded,  but  at  this  time 
it  could  be  crossed  only  by  ferries. 

Capt.  Wright's  command  'Occupied  a  position  on  a  bend  of 
the  river  on  the  heights,  three  hundred  feet  above  the  river, 
overlooking  the  opposite  shore,  and  commanding  a  line  view 
for  miles  above  and  below.  The  rebel  troops  soon  returned 
and  occupied  the  opposite  bank,  in  full  view  of  our  forces.  The 
pickets  held  frequent  friendly  chats,  and  at  times  agreed  among 
themselves  upon  a  temporary  cessation  of  hostilities,  and  in 
dulged  in  the  pastime  of  fishing  on  the  opposite  banks  of  the 
river. 


38  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Gen.  John  H.  Morgan  was  now  in  command  of  the  rebel 
troops,  and  on  the  13th  of  May  sent  over  an  impudent  mes 
sage,  under  a  flag  of  truce,  stating  that  he  held  one  Union  cap 
tain,  one  lieutenant  and  fifteen  men,  whom  he  wished  to  ex 
change  for  salt  and  coffee.  The  message  was  returned  to  him 
without  answer  or  comment. 

The  following  letter  from  Gen.  Carter  will  illustrate  the  nature 
of  the  service  required  of  guards  on  tbe  Cumberland,  and  else 
where  in  that  region  : 

"HEADQUARTERS  4TH  DIVISION,  ARMY  OF  CENTRAL  KENTUCKY, 
SOMERSET,  KY.,  May  15th,  1863. 

"To  Capt.  W.  W.  WRIGHT,  Commanding  Guards,  Stigall's 
Ferry. 

"You  will  have  your  command  use  the  utmost  vigilance 
against  surprise.  The  enemy  may  cross  in  small  bodies  above 
or  below  you  and  attempt  to  take  you  in  rear.  The  crossing 
must  be  held  as  long  as  possible,  but  should  you  be  in  danger 
of  being  overpowered,  destroy  boats  and  fall  back  slowly.  Ad 
vise  me  at  once  of  an  attack  and  aid  will  be  sent  you. 

"William  Stigall's  family  reside  just  above  the  mouth  of  Pit 
man's  Creek — he  is  with  the  rebels.  I  wish  you  to  send,  after 
dark,  a  small  mounted  force,  which  will  dismount  before 
reaching  the  house,  and  move  cautiously  on  foot  to  some  point 
sufficiently  near  to  watch  the  premises.  At  the  proper  time 
surround  and  carefully  search  the  house  and  out-buildings,  as 
he  may  be  caught.  If  possible  I  wish  to  get  hold  of  him.  Use 
great  caution. 

"There  is  a  negro  belonging  to  Wm.  Stigall  named  "Fount." 
You  will  arrest  him  and  send  him  to  the  Provost  Marshal  at 
Somerset. 

"Do  not  be  surprised,  and  hold  your  ground  with  courage 
and  obstinacy.  If  you  take  any  prisoners  have  them  careful 
ly  searched  immediately. 

"llespectfully,  S.  P.  CARTER, 

Brig.  Gen." 

Capt.  Wright  did  not  succeed  in  finding  Stigall — he  was  in 
Dixie  with  the  rebel  army — but  the  negro  "Fount"  was  arrest 
ed  and  sent  up  to  camp. 


THE  OKGANIZATION.  39 

Co.  F  remained  at  the  river,  scouting  up  and  down  its  banks, 
meeting  with  numerous  adventures  and  some  narrow  escapes, 
until  May  19th,  when  it  was  relieved  and  joined  the  regiment, 
and  on  the  4th  of  June  was  mounted — thus  completing  the 
mounting  of  the  whole  regiment. 

The  troops  concentrated  at  Somerset  consisted  of  infantry 
and  artillery  (four  batteries),  three  regiments  of  cavalry  and 
two  regiments  of  mounted  infantry — the  112th  Illinois  and  45th 
Ohio — about  six  thousand  men,  all  under  the  command  of 
Brig.  Gen.  Carter.  The  brigade  of  which  the  112th  was  part, 
was  designated  the  3rd  Brigade  of  the  4th  Division  of  the  Ar 
my  of  Central  Kentucky.  The  camp  was  named  "Camp  Wol- 
ford,"  in  honor  of  the  doughty  colonel  of  the  1st  Kentucky  cav 
alry,  who  was  a  warm  friend  of  the  112th  Illinois,  and  almost 
as  popular  with  our  men  as  with  his  own. 

The  112th  remained  at  Somerset  until  the  8th  of  July  ;  de 
tachments  of  the  regiment  being  constantly  engaged  in  active 
and  severe  duty,  scouting  up  and  down  the  Cumberland  Eiver, 
and  in  other  parts  of  the  country,  by  nignt  as  well  as  day,  of 
ten  at  great  distances,  being  absent  many  days  at  a  time, 
guarding  the  crossings  on  the  river,  and  furnishing  heavy  de 
tails  to  picket  the  numerous  roads  leading  into  the  town. 

During  this  time  the  army  in  Kentucky  was  reorganized. 
The  2nd  East  Tennessee  regiment  of  infantry  was  added  to 
the  brigade,  and  the  number  changed  to  1st  Brigade,  4th  Divi 
sion,  23d  Army  Corps — the  system  of  designating  the  armies 
by  corps  having  recently  been  adopted. 

While  at  Somerset  our  large  camp  tents  were  exchanged  for 
shelter  tents — "dog  tents,"  the  boys  called  them.  To  say  they 
were  disgusted  with  the  change  would  not,  by  half,  express 
their  feelings  ;  but  they  soon  became  accustomed  to  them,  and 
were  satisfied  with  the  change.  The  officers  of  the  regiment 
raised  $550  by  subscription  to  purchase  instruments  for  a 
band  ;  competent  musicians  were  detailed  from  the  companies, 
an  instructor  from  Geneseo,  111.,  was  employed,  and  in  a  short 
time  the  112th  band  was  an  institution  known  throughout  the 
corps,  and  popular  wherever  known.  It  was  of  great  benefit  to 
the  regiment  in  drill  and  on  the  march  ;  and  there  were  no 
moie  useful  men  in  the  regiment  than  the  band  boys.  In  ae- 


40  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

tion  they  carried  stretchers  and  assisted  the  ambulance  corps  ; 
and  at  all  times  were  ready  and  willing  to  perform  such  duties 
as  were  required  of  them.  More  than  this,  they  weie  excellent 
foragers,  and  never  permitted  themselves  nor  their  horses  to 
want  for  food  if  the  country  afforded  anything  eatable. 

The  regiment  was  in  splendid  condition.  The  men  were  in 
excellent  health,  and  spirits,  and  notwithstanding  heavy  de 
tails  for  detached  service,  on  the  20th  of  May  over  seven  hun 
dred  men  were  repo:tjd  "present  for  duty." 

Law's  battery,  composed  of  eight  guns,  was  manned  in  part 
by  men  of  the  112th  Illinois,  detailed  for  the  purpose,  who  ac 
companied  the  battery  through  Kentucky  and  Indiana  into 
Ohio,  in  pursuit  of  Morgan,  on  his  celebrated  raid,  and  render 
ed  valuable  assistance  in  destroying  his  band  of  marauders. 
Capt.  Law  was  never  satisfied  with  a  position  in  the  rear  of  the 
skirmishers,  but  invariably  ran  his  guns  out  to,  and  sometimes 
in  advance  of,  the  skirmish  line,  and  astonished  the  enemy  by 
his  rashness  as  well  as  by  the  precision  of  his  aim. 

The  rebel  forces  south  of  the  fiver  were  evidently  bent  upon 
mischief.  They  made  frequent  attempts  to  cross  the  river,' 
and  several  times  the  Union  camp  was  alarmed  and  the  troops 
called  out  in  line  of  battle, — once  at  eleven  o'clock  at  night, — 
and  the  men  frequently  slept  upon  their  arms,  in  readiness  for 
an  emergency. 

On  the  2nd  of  June  the  regiment  received  orders  to  pack  up 
all  company  clothing,  and  all  the  men's  clothing  except  a 
change  of  underclothes,  and  send  the  same  to  Hickman  bridge 
on  the  Kentucky  River,  to  be  stored ;  and  to  be  ready  to  move 
at  a  moment's  notice,  with  three  days  cooked  and  five  days  un 
cooked  rations.  Everything  was  prepared  as  directed,  but  the 
regiment  did  not  move.  As  will  be  seen  hereafter,  other  plans 
were  adopted. 

On  the  7th  of  June  Second  Lieut.  Henry  S.  Coinstock,  of  Co. 
I,  resigned.  Serot.  Harry  Fones  was  promoted  to  till  the  va 
cancy,  but  not  until  September,  1864. 

Co.  F  had  lost  the  first  enlisted  man  by  death,  and  now  it 
gave  th 3  firs'  officer— First  Lieut.  Robert.  E.  West-fall— to  the 
grim  messenger  whom  we  all  fear  yet  none  can  escape. 

He  died  at  Somerset,  after  a   severe  illness,  on  the  16th  of 


TOWARD  EAST  TENNESSEE.  41 

June.  He  was  an  efficient  and  faithful  officer,  respected  by  all 
wh:)  knew  him  for  his  sterling  integrity  and  conscientious  per 
formance  of  duty,  and  his  death  was  sincerely  mourned  by  ev 
ery  man  in  the  regiment,  and  especially  by  the  members  of  Co. 
F,  who  knew  his  worth  better  than  others. 

Second  Lieut.  James  G.  Armstrong  was  promoted  to  fill  the 
vacancy,  and  Sergeant  George  C.  Maxfield  was  promoted  to  the 
second  lieutenancy. 

Two  divisions  of  the  9th  Corps  were  temporarily  detached 
from  the  Army  of  the  Ohio  and  ordered  to  Vicksburg  to  rein 
force  Gen.  Grant,  who  still  pounded  away  upon  that  rebel 
stronghold ;  our  armies  in  Virginia  were  about  to  make  an 
other  effort  to  reach  the  Confederate  capital,  and  Gen.  Burn- 
side  undertook  to  destroy  one  important  interior  line  of  com 
munication  between  the  two  great  rebel  armies — the  Tennes 
see,  Virginia  a^id  Georgia  Railroad — and  at  the  same  time  des 
troy  the  vast  stores  of  army  supplies  accumulated  by  the  en 
emy  in  East  Tennessee. 


CHAPTER  V. 
THE  SAUNDER'S  RAID'IN  EAST  TENNESSEE. 

MAJOR  DOW'S  REPORT. 

Cn  the  10th  of  June,  five  officers  and  two  hundred  men— 
fwentyjrom  each  "company — of  the  112th  Illinois,  under  the 
command  of  Capt.  Dunn,  A  with  similar  detachmentsjfrom  the 
other  mounted  regiments^at^Somerset,  all  under  command  of 
Major  Dow,*of  the  112th,  were  Bordered  to  report  torCol.  Saun- 
ders,  and  accompany  him  upon  the  contemplated,  raid  into 
East  Tennessee. 

"For  rapidity  of  movement,  marching  'over  mountains,  and 
swimming  rivers  by  day  and  night,  and  for  successful  execu 
tion,  baffling  the  enemy,  doing  him  a  great  amount  of  damage, 
finally  escaping  from  a  vastly  superior  force,  where  every 
mountainlgap  was  supposed|to  be  securely  guarded,  this  raid 
stands  among, the  most  brilliant  of  the  Avar.  It  "severely  test 
ed  the  courage  and  endurance/)!  the  officers  and  men  who  par 
ticipated  in  it."— (Adjutant  General's  Reports,  State  of  Illinois.) 
The  following  is  Major  Dow's  report  of  the  expedition,  made 
to  Col.  Henderson,  after  his  return  : 

"HEADQUARTERS,  112TH  REGIMENT,  ILLS.  YOLS., 
Danville,  Ky.,  July  12,  1863. 

SIR  : — I  have  the  honor  to  submitjthe  following  report  of  the 
late  expedition  into  Tennessee  under  Col.  Saunders,  so  far  as 
relates  to  the  detachment  from  the  112th,  111.,  Vol.  Infantry, 
accompanying  the  command,  under  Capt.  Dunn. 


MA.JOE  DOW'S  EEPORT.  43 

"June  10,  1863.  Two  hundred  of  the  112th,  111,  Vol.,  one 
hundred  and  fifty  of  the  2nd  Ohio  Cavalry,  one  hundred  and 
fifty  of  the  7th  Ohio  Cavalry,  and  one  hundred  of  the  1st  Ken 
tucky  Cavalry,  left  Somerset,  Kentucky,  under  orders  from 
Brig.  Gen.  Carter  to  report  to  Col.  Saunders,  or  in  his  absence 
to  Col.  Byrd  at  Mt.  Yernon,  Kentucky. 

"The  detachment  from  the  112th  was  made  up  by  details 
from  Companies  A,  and  F,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Dow,  Co.  D, 
Lieut.  Griffin,  Go's.  G,  and  I,  Capt.  McCartney,  Co.  C,  Lieut. 
Petrie,  Co.  H,  Lieut.  Newman,  Co.  E,  Lieut.  Brown  and  Co. 
B,  Lieut.  Gudgel,  Assistant  Surgeon  Jones,  Hospital  Stew 
ard  Johnson,  and  five  hospital  attaches,  one  ambulance,  and 
two  teams  loaded  with  forage. 

"The  men  were  provided  with  three  days  rations,  eighty 
rounds  of  cartridges,  and  two  extra  horse  shoes  each. 

"We  reached  Mt.  Vernon  at  12  o'clock  at  night  and  encamp 
ed  one  mile  west  of  town.  Reported  to  Col.  Byrd,  Col.  Saun- 
ders  not  being  there. 

"June  11. — By  order  of  Col.  Byrd,  we  moved  three  miles  east 
of  town  and  encamped  on  Gen.  Bragg'sold  camping  ground. 

"June  12. — We  remained  in  camp  awaiting  Col.  Saunder's 
arrival. 

"June  13. — Col.  Saunders  arrived  last  night.  We  were  or 
dered  to  draw  ten  days  rations  and  eight  days  forage ;  three 
pack  mules  were  furnished  to  each  one  hundred  men,  to  be  led 
until  our  transportation  should  be  sent  back,  and  to  be  in  read 
iness  to  move  by  daylight  the  next  morning. 

"June  14. — We  inarched  twenty  eight  miles  to  Laurel  Creek, 
and  encamped ;  the  latter  part  of  the  day,  and  during  the 
night  it  rained  heavily ;  having  no  tents  we  passed  an  uncom 
fortable  night. 

"June  15. — We  started  at  sunrise  and  marched  twenty  four 
miles,  encamped  two  miles  this  side  of  the  Cumberland  Eiver. 
Here  all  the  teams  were  unloaded  and  sent  back  and  the  pack 
mules  loaded  with  forage.  What  could  not  be  put  upon  them, 
together  with  rations  issued  to  the  men,  was  carried  upon  the 
horses. 

"June  16. — Forded  the  Cumberland  River  this  morning  at 
Williamsburg,— the  river  shallow  and  easily  forded— taking  the 


44  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Huntsville  route  to  Tennessee.  Col.  Gilbert  passed  this  place 
late  last  evening  with  portions  of  the  44th  Ohio  Volunteers, 
and  9th  Ohio  Cavalry,  and  four  pieces  of  Kmnkle's  Battery, 
taking  the  road  to  Big  Creek  Gap,  designing  to  make  a  diver 
sion  in  our  favor.  We  subsequently  learned  that  this  gap  was 
taken  without  serious  resistance,  but  not  held  by  Col.  Gilbert. 
We  marched  this  day  twenty-five  miles  over  mountains  and 
unfrequented  roads,  it  being  often  necesf-aiy  to  elecr  the  palh 
of  fallen  trees,  and  to  detail  men  to  push  ambulances  up  the 
steep  mountains.  On  this  day  commenced  the  toil  and  fatigue 
endured  by  officers  and  men,  as  well  as  horses  on  this  raid. 

"June  17. — We  started  this  morning  at  four  o'clock  and  con 
tinued  the  march  until  9  at  night,  without  feeding,  when  the 
tirecl  horses  were  turned  into  a  small  lot  to  graze,  with  orders 
not  to  unsaddle,  and  to  be  in  readiness  to  inarch  at  one  o'clock 
in  the  morning.  At  this  place  spies  were  sent  forward  to  Lon 
don  Bridge,  with  instructions  to  march  the  entire  night,  and 
after  obtaining  the  necessary  information  to  rejoin  us  tie  f'<  1- 
lowing  night,  % 

"June  18. — Marched  atone  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  reach 
ed  Montgomery  at  nine  ;  passing  through  this  place  without 
halting,  in  order  to  surprise  the  enemy  at  Watburg,  one  mile 
beyond.  We  captured  here  one  hundred  and  seven  rebels,  a 
lot  of  ammunition,,  small  arms,  spades,  axes,  several  mule 
teams,  and  forty  horses.  We  had  one  man  belonging  to  the 
2nd  Ohio  cavalry  shot  through  the  hand,  and  two  horses  killed. 

"After  paroling  the  prisoners  moved  two  miles  south  of  town 
and  halted  one  hour  to  graze  the  horses.  Some  of  the  rebels 
who  escaped  from  Watburg,  carried  the  news  of  our  approach 
to  Kingston— being  the  first  certain  news  the  enemy  had  of  our 
coming.  While  here  the  advance  ofPegram's  force,  forty-live 
hundred  strong,  entered  W.atburg,  cutting  off  one  man  of  the 
1st  Kentucky  cavalry,  who  had  been  sent  bad*  on  some  errand. 

"This  afternoon  we  were  forced  to  abandon  several  korses 
and  were  much  fatigued.  We  reached  Clinch  River  at  dark. 
The  river  at  this  place  is  difficult  and  dangerous  to  ford,  espe 
cially  for  troops  unacquainted  and  in  the  night.  It  was  elev 
en  o'clock  at  night  before  we  had  all  forded  iL,  wetting  many 
of  our  cartridges,  losing  a  few  hams,  and  spoiling  most  of  our 


MAJOR  DOW'S  REPORT.  45 

hard  bread  ;  remained  here  one  hour  to  feed  the  horses. 

"June  19. — At  midnight  we  heard  the  bugle  s  u  id  the  ad 
vance  in  silence,  and  with  heavy  hearts.  We  iiad  left  live 
of  oar  brave  comrades  sleeping  in  the  Clinch  raver,  that  sleep 
which  knows  no  waking.  May  their  friends  be  comforted  ; 
they  had  left  their  homes  at  their  country's  call,  but  they  will 
never  return.  Peace  be  to  their  ashes.  At  one  o'clock  in  the 
morning  the  column  haUed  by  the  road  side  an  1  fed  horses 
without  unsaddling.  We  were  now  near  London  Bridge.  Col. 
Saunders  here  received  information  that  the  bridge  was  de 
fended  by  four  thousand  troops,  ten  batteries,  and  strongly 
fortified.  He  decided  n  oc  to  attack  the  place.  At  seven  o'clock 
the  column  was  in  motion.  Leaving  London  Bridge  two  and 
a  half  miles  to  our  right,  wrd  entered  Lenoir  at  eleven  o'clock, 
having  destroyed  three  pieces  of  artillery,  found  abandoned  on 
the  road  to  this  place.  We  captured  one  hundred  and  forty 
prisoners,  and  burned  a  depot  containing  two  pieces  of  cannon 
and  large  quantities  of  small  arms  and  ammunition,  cut  tele 
graph  wires  and  destroyed  the  railroad  track  for  some  distance. 

"  We  left  Lenoir  at  noon  and  reached  Kiioxville,  twenty-four 
miles  from  Lenoir,  at  dark.  The  road  led  directly  through 
the  town  :  it  was  thought  necessary  by  our  commanding  offic 
ers  to  attack  the  place  from  the  opposi'e  side,  so  that  in  case 
of  failure  we  could  continue  the  march  up  the  railroad  to  Straw 
berry  Pl.iins.  The  entire  night  was  occupied  in  moving  around 
the  place,  over  an  unfrequented  path,  and  the  night  very  dark. 
Tiie  column  was  broken  in  consequence  of  an  ambulance  hav 
ing  upset,  leaving  the  112  h  Illinois  and  the  14th  Kentucky 
cavalry  without  a  guide;  the  ambulance  being  badly  broken  it 
was  abandoned.  We  had  considerable  tiring  with  the  enemy's 
'pickets  during  the  night,  while  endeavoring  to  find  the  rest  of 
the  command  ;  we  did  not  find  them  until  daylight.  Dr.  Ba 
ker  was  killed  on  this  day  by  an  advance  guard. 

"June  20th. — Attacked  Kiioxville,  but  found  the  enemy  too 
strong,  and  after  one  and  a  half  hours  sharp  firing,  chiefly  ar 
tillery,  were  drawn  off  in  good  shape,  the  112th  Illinois  bring 
ing  up  the  rear.  Our  casualties  were,  one  man  mortally 
wounded,  one  captain  and  one  lieutenant  severely,  all  from 
other  detachments,  and  several  horses  killed,  and  one  111:111 


46  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

from  the  112th  Illinois  missing.  We  captured  forty  prisoners 
and  some  fifty  horses.  Our  rear  was  considerably  annoyed  by 
Scott's  cavalry  for  several  miles. 

"At  McMillan's  Station  the  depot  was  burned  without  halt 
ing  the  column,  as  were  also  two  railroad  bridges,  and  Flat 
Creek  bridge,  a  large  fine  covered  structure  thirteen  miles  from 
Knoxville.  Crossed  Holston  Kiver  two  miles  from  Strawberry 
Plains,  andfreaehed  the  latter  place  at  4  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon,  distance  seventeen  miles.  After  a  short  engagement  the 
enemy  hung  out  the  white  flag.  We  here  burned  one  of  the 
largest  bridges  in  East  Tennessee,  several  rebel  store  houses 
containing  clothing  and  grain,  captured  one  hundred  and  fifty 
prisoners,  four  pieces  of  artillery  and  a  quantity  of  small  arms 
and  ammunition. 

"June  21st.  At  4  o'clock  in  the  morning  again  under  march  ? 
passing  through  New  Market  without  stopping,  except  a  sn:a!i 
detail  to  burn  the  railroad  cars  at  this  station.  Arrived  at 
Mossy  Creek  station  at  about  11  o'clock,  fifteen  miles  from 
Strawberry  Plains.  A  fine  railroad  bridge  was  burned  here, 
and  a  store  house  filled  with  corn,  from  which  the  horses  were 
fed  and  each  man  carried  away  all  he  could  for  future  u?  e. 
There  were,  however,  many  who  preferred  to  load  their  ho^se* 
with  tobacco — a  large  quantity  being  found  here — believing 
this  weed  of  more  advantage  to  them  than  forage  for  their  ex 
hausted  horses.  There  were  none  of  this  class  in  the  112th 
Illinois. 

"We  here  left  the  railroad  and  started  homeward.  Two  and 
a  half  miles  from^Mossy  Creek,  the  machinery  in  Katton 
Howell's  factory,  now  working  for  the  Southern  Confederacy, 
was  destroyed.  We  reached  Clinch  Mountain  about  7  o'clock 
in  the  morning  where  we  found  Scott_'s  cavalry  prepared  to  dis 
pute  our  entrance  of  the  gap  leading  over  the  mountain.  They 
were  soon  driven  away,  with  the  loss  of  five  men  captured,  but 
followed  us  until  we  crossed  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  fi  e- 
quently  attacking  our  rear.  We  toiled  all  night,  making  but 
ten  miles.  During  the  night  we  took  a  train  of  loaded  wagons 
and  thirty  prisoners. 

"June  22iid.  This  morning  Capt.  Hurst  was  shot  near  Clinch 
River.  After  fording  this  stream,  the  horses  were  fed  while 


MAJOR  DOWS  REPORT.  47 

saddled  and  in  column,  and  the  men  hastily  ate  whatever  they 
had  remaining  of  their  rations.  After  a  brief  stop  we  moved, 
on,  fording  Powell  Eiver  about  noon.  At  three  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  Col.  Saunders  rode  back  to  the  headoPmy  command 
and  informed  me  that  the  enemy  were  at  Rodgers'  Gap — the 
one  through  which  we  intended  to  pass — in  large  force,  and 
ordered  me  to  send  my  detachments,  the  112th  Illinois  in  ad 
vance,  over  a  by-path,  guided  by  Sergt.  Reynolds,  while  he 
saw  the  section  of  artillery  spiked  and  carriage  destroyed. 

"Although  the  head  of  the  column  was  near  and  in  sight  of 
the  enemy,  this  was  successfully  accomplished ;  the  guide 
leading  the  column  through  heavy  timber  and  again  striking 
the  road  about  four  miles  from  where  we^had  left  it  and  oppo 
site  Smith's  Gap ;  the  route  traveled,  however,  was  seven 
miles.  It  seems  they  had  tried  to  guard  all  these  passes,  for 
we  here  found  some  cavalry  drawn  up  in  front  of  this  pass. 
The  112th  Illinois  and  the  45th  Ohio  were  dismounted,  and 
one  volley  sent  them  rapidly  down  the  road.  These  two  de 
tachments  were  ordered  to  mount  and  skirmish  through  the 
timber  between  our  forcos  and  the  base  of  the  mountain,  to 
ascertain  if  any  rebel  force  \vas  concealed  there ;  none  being 
found,  the  order  was  given  to  move  up  the  mountain.  The 
men  little  knew  what  going  up  a  mountain  meant.  The  45th 
Ohio  took  the  advance,  the  112th  Illinois  next.  I  did  not  go 
up  with  them,  but  waited  for  the  2nd  Ohio  Cavalry,  under  my 
command,  and  then  in  the  rear.  I  did  not  again  see  Captain 
Dunn  or  the  main  body  of  the  112th  Illinois  until  we  reached 
Kentucky. 

"There  was  considerable  firing  between  the  rear  of  our  forces 
and  the  enemy,  who  had  now  arrived  in  force.  The  mountain 
was  exceedingly  steep.  Many  horses,  already  worn  out  by  the 
wearisome  march,  here  failed  entirely.  The  path,  as  darkness 
came  on,  could  not  be  followed,  and  the  different  detachments 
became  mixed  up  and  many  lost  their  way  entirely.  It  was 
said  by  Col.  Saunders  that  we  should  rest  upon  the  mountain 
during  the  night,  yet  for  some  reason  unknown  to  me,  there 
was  little  if  any  halt  made,  leaving  those  whose  horses  had 
given  out,  and  many  who  had  lost  their  way  in  the  darkness 
and  were  now  unable  to  move  in  any  direction,  under  the  be- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  mTH  ILLINOIS.  48 

lief  that  at  day-light   they  would  be  able  to  find  their    com 
mands. 

"June  23rd.  In  the  morning  I  was  informed  by  one  of  the 
112th  Illinois  that  the  main  body  had  not  made  any  stop  the 
night  before.  We  at  once  moved  down  the  east  side  of  Hit 
mountain,  and  after  traveling  about  two  miles  came  to  a  house. 
We  here  met  Capt.  McCartney  and  many  other,  from  the  sev 
eral  detachments.  We  procured  a  guide  and  halted  unt  1  two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  we  had  collected  one  hundred 
and  sixty  enlisted  men  and  officers.  About  one-third  had 
abandoned  their  arms.  None  were  left  after  joining  us.  We 
left  the  place  at  two  o'clock,  and  encamped  six  miles  east  of 
Boston.  During  the  night  two  girls  accompanied  by  a  man 
came  into  camp  and  informed  us  that  a  large  body  of  mount 
ed  rebels  were  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  us  feeding  their 
horses  ;  they,  however,  did  not  discover  us. 

"June  24th.  We  continued  our  toilsome  march  over  sL(ep 
mountains,  and  during  a  heavy  rain,  without  food,  until  June 
26th,  when  we  reached  London.  We  here  found  rations,  and 
rested  one  day,  joining  our  command  at  Lancaster.  The  offi 
cers  and  men  endured  the  fatigue  and  dangers  attending  the 
raid  bravely  and  cheerfully. 

"Eespectfully,        THIS.  T.  Dow, 
Major   commanding   detachment   from   Somerset,  Kentucky. 

To  CoL  Thomas  J .  Henderson,  Commanding  112th  Illinois 
Mounted  Infantry. " 

The  men  drowned  in  Clinch  Eiver  were,  First  Sergeant  Amos 
C.  Holden,  Corporal  Edwin  ¥.  Hunt  and  Thomas  II.  Kilby,  of 
Co.  D,  George  C.  Wood,  of  Co.  C,  and  Thomas  T.  White,  of  Co. 
P. 

Sergt.  Holden  had  been  recommended  for  promotion  to  a 
lieutenancy  in  his  company,  and  his  commission  was  received 
at  headquarters  the  day  after  the  expedition  left  Somerset,  but 
was  never  received  by  nim.  He  was  a  brave,  generous,  noble- 
hearted  young  man,  as,  indeed,  were  his  four  unfortunate  com 
rades  who  perished  with  him.  They  died  for  their  country, 
while  engaged  in  the  line  of  duty — a  perilous  duty — and  their 
names  are  entitled  to  a  place  upon  the  roll  of  honor  with  those 
who  fell  upon  the  field  of  battle.  Many  times  the  following 


DKOWNED  AND  CAPTUEED.  49 

winter  the  112th  Illinois  crossed  the  rapid  and  dangerous 
Cl.nch,  but  never  without  gazing  sorrowfully  and  regretfully 
upon  the  watery  graves  of  their  departed  comrades. 

Others  of  the  112ih  lost  their  way  and  floundered  in  deep 
water,  but  fortunately  escaped  drowning — some  of  them  very 
Larrowly,  however. 

The  ll'2th  Illinois  also  lost  nine  men  captured  by  the  ene 
my,  on  this  n  id  :  Addison  C.  Leonard  and  He  iry  Mover,  of  Co. 
A,  Stephen  Huberts,  William  W.  Cowden  and  Jeruel  B.  Whit- 
noy,  of  Co.  I),  Corporal  Andrew  Kamerer,  of  Co.  F,  George 
Ritchie,  of  Co.  H,  James  S.  Biggs,  of  Co.  K  and  Joseph  C. 
Johnson,  hospital  steward.  Johnson,  Cowden,  Whitney  and 
Eiggs  were  connected  with  the  hospital  department,  and  weie 
captured  at  Chiller's  Gap,  on  the  22nd  of  June,  and  taken  back 
to  Knoxville.  The  prisoners  were  confined  in  jail  at  Knoxville 
with  a  lot  of  Unionists  and  deserters  from  the  rebel  army,  and 
thence  sent  to  Lynchburg,  Va.,  and  thence  to  Richmond,  where 
they  were  paroled  July  11,  1803,  and  sent  to  City  Point,  and 
from  there  to  Parole  Camp  at  St.  Louis,  where  they  were  ex 
changed  Sept.  10,  1863,  and  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Bean's 
Station,  East  Tennessee,  on  December  14th,  1863. 

James  Patten,  of  Co.  D.  was  severely  wounded  in  both  hands 
by  a  rebel  "bushwhacker."  Several  others  were  wounded,  as 
also  some  of  those  captured,  but  the  author  has  been  unable 
to  obtain  their  names. 

The  Dr.  Baker  referred  to  in  Major  J)ow's  report  was  Dr. 
Harvey  Baker,  a  Confederate  citizen  residing  a  few  miles  be 
low  Knoxville.  A  Confederate  scouting  party,  in  command  of 
Capt.  Wiggs,  occupied  a  position  near  Baker's  house,  and  as 
Col.  Saunder's  troops  advanced,  fired  upon  them.  The  Fed 
erals  advanced  rapidly  and  Wiggs  retreated.  It  was  charged 
by  the  Union  troops  that  Baker  stood  in  his  yard  and  fired  up 
on  them  as  they  advanced,  and  that  they  shot  him  in  retalia 
tion. 

In  a  Confederate  account  of  the  affair,  before  me,  this  is  de 
nied  ;  but  it  is  admitted  that  Baker  did  lire  upon  the  Union 
troops,  but  it  is  claimed  not  until  they  opened  fire  upon 
him.  It  is  also  admitted  that  shots  were  fired  from  near 
—4 


50  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

where  he  was  standing  before  the  Union  troops  fired,  but  these, 
it  is  said,  came  from  Confederate  soldiers,  although,  it  is  slat 
ed,  the  Union  soldiers  might  easily  have  believed  they  came 
from  Baker,  as  he  had  a  gun  in  his  hands  at  the  time.  It  is 
very  probable  that  Baker  tired  the  first  shot,  and  that  the  Un 
ion  soldiers  were  justified  in  killing  him  on  the  spot. 

The  following  article  is  taken  from  a  Knoxville  paper  of 
June -24,  1863: 

"THE  RAIDERS." 

"We  have  no  official  news  of  the  Yankee  raiders  in  their  re 
treat,  after  the  destruction  of  the  bridges  and  private  property 
at  Mossy  Creek,  save  that  they  had  passed  through  Powder 
Springs  Gap  of  Clinch  Mountain  into  Powell's  Valley,  closely 
pursued  by  Scott's  cavalry.  Various  rumors  were  in  circula 
tion  on  the  streets  last  night,  among  others  that  Scott  had 
captured  their  artillery,  that  they  were  flying  in  great  confus 
ion,  and  were  abandoning  not  only  their  plunder,  but  even" 
their  own  equipments,  in  their  haste  to  get  out.  The  general 
belief,  however,  founded  on  all  reports,  is,  that  owing  to  the 
jaded  condition  of  the  pursuing  cavalry,  and  the  absence  of  any 
Confederate  forces  in  front  of  the  enemy,  they  will  make  good 
their  return  to  Kentucky  with  no  great  loss." 

The  paper  contains  several  communications  in  relation  to 
"the  infamous  Yankee  raiders,"  and  all  were  very  bitter  in 
their  denunciations  of  Cul.  R.  K.  Byrd.  whose  home  was  at 
Kingston,  but  who  had  been  driven  out  of  East  Tennessee  be 
cause  of  his  loyalty  to  the  Unicn  ;  and  who  accompanied  the 
raiders  wiih  his  regiment,  the  1st  East  Tennessee,  compos 
ed  of  Union  refugees,  like  himself,  and  who  undoubtedly  im 
proved  the  opportunity  to  pay  off  old  scores. 


CHAPTER.  VI. 

GUARDING    THE    CUMLEIILAND — EXPEDITIONS 
TO  HAIlRODSnuilG  AND  LEBANON. 

CAPT.  DI:XN'S  HE  PORT. 

On  the  10th  of  June — the  same  day  the  expedition  started 
for  East  Tennessee — another  detachment  of  about  two  hun 
dred  men  fiom  the  112th  Illinois,  under  command  of  Lieut. 
Col.  Bond,  was  ordered  to  report,  with  one  day's  ration-,  fr.r  a 
reconnoissance  on  the  Cumberland ;  but  on  arriving  at  head 
quarters,  the  order  was  countermanded,  and  the  whole  detail 
ordered  on  picket,  to  relieve  the  men  of  other  regiments  under 
m arching  orders. 

During  the  night  of  June  17th,  the  regiment  received  orders 
to  be  realy  to  march  at  6  o'clock  the  next  morning,  with  eight 
day's  rations,  and  all  the  sick  were  sent  oft'  to  Camp  Nelson; 
but  after  several  hours  of  hard  work  in  making  preparations  to 
move,  the  order  was  countermanded. 

So  many  troops  had  been  withdrawn  from  Somerset  that  it 
required  heavy  details  from  the  remaining  regiments  to  per 
form  picket  duty,  and  the  officers  and  men  of  the  112th  were 
"on  picket"  nearly  all  the  time  ;  but  as  the  weather  was  warm 
the  duty  was  not  excessively  arduous. 

On  the  '27th  a  detachment  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  and 
fire  officers  of  Co's.  A,  F,  C,  G  and  B,  in  command  of  Capt.  W. 
W.  Wright,  was  ordered  to  the  Cumberland  liiver,  nearly  op- 
po  die  Mill  Springs,  to  guard  the  crossings  in  that  vicinity. 
Tne  detachment  marched  at  8  o'clock  in  the  evening,  in  the 
midst  of  a  heavy  shower,  and  in  darkness  so  black  and  dense 


52  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

that  nothing  could  he  seen.  Capt.  Wright  was  unacquainted 
with  the  road,  and  at  his  request  Lieut.  Mitchell,  of  Co.  C, 
who  had  been  over  the  road  several  times,  led  the  way  with  his 
company  and  the  others  followed.  The  detachment  reached 
Fishing  Creek,  a  roaring  little  stream,  about  twelve  n.iles  from 
Somerset,  at  2  o'clock.  The  water  was  too  high  to  ford  and 
the  detachment  halted  and  established  a  reserve  in  the  timber 
about  a  mile  from  the  old  Zollicofier  fortifications,  threw  out 
pickets  on  several  roads  and  fords,  and  remained  there  until 
the  next  day  and  then  proceeded  to  the  Cumberland. 

On  the  3d  of  July  the  detachment  was  joined  by  Capt.  Sroui'e 
with  Co.  H.  The  detachment  remained  there,  guarding  the 
crossings  on  the  river  and  scouting  up  and  down  its  banks,  and 
eating  blackberries,  which  grew  in  great  abundance,  until  the 
5th,  when  it  withdrew  to  Fishing  Creek. 

In  the  meantime  many  of  the  troops  had  been  withdrawn 
from  Somerset,  and  Col.  Henderson  was  in  command  of  the 
Post.  The  following  communication,  addressed  to  Capt.  W. 
W.  Wright,  will  explain  why  the  detachment  was  withdrawn 
from  the  river: 

"HEADQUARTERS  ir2rni  ILL.  VOL.  INFT'Y, 

Somerset,  Ky.,  July  5,  18(i3. 
CAPT.— 

I  am  directed  by  Col.  Henderson  to  say  that  you 
will  at  once  withdraw  the  pickets  in  your  command  from  Mill 
Springs  and  vicinity.  You  will  leave  one  company  of  at  least 
fifty  men  at  Fishing  Creek,  and  the  balance  of  your  detach 
ment  will  at  once  return  to  camp.  The  company  at  Fishing- 
Creek  will  be  left  under  a  competent  officer,  and  say,  one  or 
two  lieutenants.  They  will  be  instructed  to  be  very  vigilant 
and  to  soout  the  vicinity  of  their  station  an  1  t'ie  creek  fre 
quently  and  thoroughly.  Bations  will  be  sent  to  you  at  Fish 
ing  Creek  for  two  days  for  fifty  men. 

Very  liesp'y,  H.  W.  WTELLS, 

Adj't.,  112th  111." 

The  detachment  arrived  at  Fishing  Creek  after  dark,  and 
leaving  Lieuts.  Davenport  and  Thompson,  with  fifty  men,  to 
guard  the  crossing,  proceeded  to  Somerset. 


BETHEL  CHURCH.  53 

The  next  day  Lieut.  Davenport  with  one-half  the  men  scout 
ed  toward  the  Cumberland  in  the  direction  of  Mill  Springs, 
and  on  their  return  Lieut.  Thompson,  with  twenty  men,  scout 
ed  on  otim-  roads  leading  to  the  river.  In  the  evening  Lieut. 
Davenport  received  the  following  communication  from  Col. 
Henderson,  which  explains  itself : 

"HEADQUARTERS  U.  S.  FORCES, 

Somerset,  Ky.,  July  6,  1863. 

LIEUT.  T.  F.  DAVENPORT, 

Commanding  Pickets  at  Fishing  Creek: 

It  is  rumored  that  the  rebels  are  at  Mill  Springs,  and  have 
been  crossing  the  river,  though  I  can  hardly  believe  it  to  be  so, 
but  have  thought  proper  to  advise  you  of  the  rumor,  and  to 
urge  upon  you  that  you  be  vigilant,  and  that  you  give  me  ear 
ly  information  of  any  movement  in  that  direction.  You  had 
better  patrol  the  road  well  in  the  direction  of  Mill  Springs  and 
ascertain  if  any  rebels  shall  be  attempting  to  cross  there,  and 
give  me  information. 

THOS.  J.  HENDERSON, 

Col.  Commanding  Post." 

The  detachment  moved  back  upon  a  hill,  at  the  intersection 
of  two  roads,  and  occupied  a  position  at  and  around  Bethel 
Church,  leaving  a  picket  at  the  creek  and  patrolling  both  roa'ds. 

Bethel  Church  was  a  log  structure  of  the  most  primitive 
style,  with  no  floor,  and  with  openings  in  the  walls  for  doors 
and  windows.  An  old  lady  in  the  vicinity  informed  us  that 
she  had  'Tiearn  tell"  that  there  was  a  church  at  Mill  Springs 
with  real  glass  windows,  but  she  had  never  seen  such  a  church. 
The  author  met  an  old  man,  eighty-four  years  of  age,  who  was 
born  and  had  always  resided  in  the  house  in  which  he  then  liv 
ed.  He  had  never  visited  Somerset,  the  county  seat,  fourteen 
miles  from  his  farm,  and  had  no  idea  as  to  the  size  of  the  town. 
He  said,  with  considerable  pride,  that  he  had  been  to  Mill 
Springs — seven  miles — "live  or  six  times"  in  his  life,  but  he 
had  not  been  there  for  twelve  years.  That  had  been  the  ex 
tent  of  his  travels.  He  had  learned,  in  some  way,  that  there 
was  a  war,  but  he  knew  no  more  about  its  cause,  or  the  parties 
to  it,  or  of  the  history  and  events  of  the  times,  than  a  govern 
ment  mule.  When  offered  pay  for  a  very  good  dinner,  he  de- 


54  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

clineci  to  take  any,  but  said  he  would  accept  a  "chaw  o'terbac- 
cah,"  as  he  had  been  without  for  a  long  time.  He  was  reward 
ed  with  a  large  plug,  and  was  happier  than  a  sm:i]l  boy  wrh 
his  first  pair  of  boots.  He  had  never  owned  a  "nigger,"  and, 
although  a  land-owner,  was  classed  among  the  "poor  white 
trash." 

July8:h,  the  detachment  was  ordered  to   join  the  regiment 
at  So.nei8et.     The  troops  had  all  left  except  the  112th  Illinois, 
and  at  noon  the  regiment  marched,  and  on  the  10th  joined  the* 
brigade  at  Stanford. 

John  Morgan  had  commence  1  his  famous  raid  north,  had 
ciotured  Lebanon,  after  a  severe  fight,  on  the  5th,  and  was 
now  moving  rapidly  toward  the  Ohio.  Portions  of  our  army 
ware  pir  suing  him  closely,  and  cur  command  was  ordered 
back  to  guard  the  blue  grass  country  against  o''her  rebel  raid 
ing  parties  seeking  to  make  a  diversion  in  favor  of  Morgan. 

The  32cl  Ky.  regiment  had  been  o  dered  to  guard  the  wag  n 
train  by  way  of  Crab  Orchard,  o  i  the  pike,  but  instead  had 
turned  off  the  road  and  passed  ih.-ougli  Hall's  Gap  hro  the 
valley,  and  gone  into  camp  about  six  «miles  below  Stanford, 
leaving  the  train  unprotected  ;  and  the  commander  of  tha  re 
giment  reported  that  bands  of  rebel  cavalry  were  following  him 
closely  and  threatening  to  attack  him.  Gen.  Carter  ordered 
Lieut.  Thompson,  of  the  I12th  Illinois,  to  take  twenty  men 
and  proceed  to  Hall's  Gap  and  hold  it  at  all  hazards,  and  to 
inform  the  c  mimanding  officer  of  the  32;1  Kentucky  that  his 
orders  were  to  protect  that  regiment  against  attack.  The 
message  was  faithfully  delivered,  but  there  was  a  terrific  blaze 
of  blue  lightning  in  that  vicinity,  about  that  time,  that  would 
have  been  dangerous  to  Gen.  Car'er  had  lie  been  witl  in  range. 
Hall's  Gap  is  a  narrowpass  in  the  ran^e  of  hll's  bordering  the 
blue  grass  region,  and  affords  a  magnificent  view  of  coui.tryas 
far  as  the  eye  can  extend. 

In  the  night  of  the  10th  the  wagon  train  was  attacked  near 
Crab  Orchard,  and  fifty  wagons  and  their  con' en's  v  e  e  burn 
ed — tie  wcrk,  probably,  of  Kentucky  guerri  1  is.  The  112th 
II  inois  and  45th  Ohio  were  ordered  to  Csab  Orclavd,  but  ar 
rive:!  too  late  to  save  the  t:ain,  and  returned  to  Stanford,  an  I 
the  next  day  ma. died  to  Danville. 


DETACHMENT  SERVICE.  55 

The  detail  at  Hail's  Gap  was  joined  .by  a  company  of  the 
•  45th  Ohio,  the  next  morning,  and  the  two  were  ordered  to  scout 
toward  Somerset  as  far  as  Waynesburg,  which  they  did  with 
out  finding  any  rebels,  and  returned  to  Stanford  the  someday, 
and  the  next  guarded  a  body  of  rebel  prisoners  to  Danvil  e, 
and  lejoiued  the  regiment. 

On  the  llth  of  July,  Ca.pt.  Wright  with  companies  F  and  I, 
in  command  of  Lieut.  Armstrong  and  dipt.  Wilkins,  respect 
ively,  was  ordered  to  return  to  Stigil'.'s  Fe^ry,  on  ihe  Cam- 
berland  lliver,  with  a  train  of  wagons,  to  destroy  all  boats  on 
the  liver,  and  obtain  some  pontoons  left  at  the  river;  arrived 
there  on  the  13:h  of  July.  On  the  14th  a  detail  was  sent  to 
Ne well's  Ferry  to  destroy  a  boat,  while  the  rest  of  the  detach 
ment  loaded  the  pontoons,  and  then  proceeded  to  Danville, 

Immediately  upon  the  arrival  oi'  the  regiment  at  Danville, 
companies  E  and  G,  under  command  of  C:\pt.  Otman  and 
Lieut.  Mibhrist,  were  orde-ed  to  Harrodsburg,  to  capture,  if 
possible,  two  companies  of  Morgan's  command  which  had  left 
the  main  body  of  ins  troops  while  on  the  way  to  Indiana  and 
Ohio  on  his  famous  raid,  and  being  unable  to  rejoin  his  force 
had  disbanded,  and  were  attempting  to  get  through  the  Union 
lines  into  the  Confederacy,  dipt.  Otmaii  was  fortunate  in  his 
search,  and  found  and  captured  one  lieutenant,  thirty-one  men 
and  sixty-one  horses.  His  command  being  mounted,  and  hav 
ing  this  additional  number  of  horses  to  feed,  it  required  a  large 
quantify  of  forage  for  the  two  weeks  they  remained  there.  Fx- 
Gov.  Magoffin resided  there  and  owned  a  farm  adjoining  town, 
on  which  was  a  large  Held  of  oats,  just  harvested  and  in  the 
shock,  upon  which  the  soldiers  levied  without  ceremony,  and 
fed  the  same  to  the  horses. 

The  boys  had  not  forgotten  the  famous  proclamation  issued 
by  the  governor  in  1861,  in  which  he  declared  that  ''Kentucky 
was  neutral  territory,  and  neither  hostile  army  should  cross 
her  borders."  And  they  recollected  his  reply  to  President  Lin 
coln's  first  call  for  troops,  that  "Kentucky  would  furnish  no 
troops  for  the  purpose  of  subduing  her  sister  States  of  the 
So:rth."  And  they  remembered  that  Gov.  Magoinn  had  en 
deavored  to  preserve  a  position  of  "belligerant  neutrality"  only 
for  the  purpose  of  turning  his  State  over  to  the  Confederacy  as 


56  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

soon  as  the  South  should  become  strong  enough  to  keep  it ; 
and  they  rightfully  believed  that  he  was  a  secessionist,  and 
that,  in  taking  his  oats,  they  were  simply  compelling  a  rebel 
to  contribute  of  his  means  toward  paying  the  expenses  of  the 
war  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Union. 

When  Capt.  Otman  received  orders  to  return  to  Danville,  a 
receipt  was  made  out  and  tendered  to  the  ex-governor  for  the 
oats  consumed,  containing  a  proviso,  however,  that  his  loyalty 
was  to  be  proven  before  any  voucher  should  be  issued  to  him. 
This  so  enraged  him  that  he  tore  it  up  and  threw  the  pieces 
upon  the  floor  and  stamped  upon  them.  He  was  informed 
that  that  was  the  only  voucher  he  would  ever  receive  ;  but  his 
claim  has  undoubtedly  been  presented  against  the  government 
and  paid  long  before  this  time. 

The  detachment  remained  at  Harroclsburg  until  July  27th, 
scouring  the  country  for  bands  of  rebels  ;  and  rejoined  the  re 
giment  at  Danville  just  in  time  to  participate  in  the  chase  af 
ter  Scott.  The  only  casualty  at  Harrcdsb-irg  was  one  man, 
Sylvester  H.  Stoffer,  wounded. 

The  expedition  into  East  Tennessee  reached  Lancaster,  on 
its  return,  on  the  30th  of  June,  and  after  a  few  days  rest  pro 
ceeded  to  Camp  Nelson.  Here  on  the  7th  of  July  Capt.  Dunn, 
with  live  officers  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  men  of  the 
112th  Illinois,  were  ordered  to  accompany  Major  Ellis,  of  the 
1st  East  Tennessee,  to  Lebanon,  and  the  remainder  of  the 
Tennessee  raiding  detachment  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Dan 
ville. 

Capt.  Dunn  and  his  detachment  were  absent  until  the  10th 
of  August,  when  they  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Stanford.  The 
following  report  of  their  operations,  made  by  Capt,  Dunn,  will 
show  the  nature  of  the  service  they  performed.  . 

HEADQUARTERS  H2TH  KEGT.  ILL.,  VOLS., 
Stanford,  Ky.,  Aug.  11,  1863. 

COLONEL.— 

Allow  me  a  brief  report  of  the  operations  of  the 
detachment  place  1  under  my  command  by  Major  T.  T,  Dow, 
112th  Illinois,  and  ordered  by  Col.  II.  K.  J3yrd,  1st  East  Ten 
nessee  Mounted  Infantry,  to  accompany  Major  John  Ellis, 
same  regiment,  from  Hickman  Bridge,  or  "Camp  Nelson,"  to 


CAPT.  DUNN'S  EEPOKT.  57 

Lebanon,  Ky.,  on  the  7th  of  July.  The  detachment  number 
ed,  as  stated  by  Major  Dow,  one  hundred  and  twenty  nine  men. 
Capt.  McCartney,  Co.  G,  Lieut.  Griffin,  Co.  D,  Lieut.  Brown, 
Co.  E,  Lieut  Petrie,  Co.  C,  and  Lieut.  Newman,  Co.  H,  accom 
panied  the  expedition.  We  reached  Lebanon  the  next  day, 
about  10  o'clock,  and  went  into  camp.  Soon  after,  some  of 
the  boys  ascertained  that  a  large  number  of  damaged  arms 
were  stored  in  a  building  in  town,  which,  through  the  kindness 
of  the  commanding  officer,  they  were  allowed  to  examine  for 
the  purpose  of  putting  together  whole  parts,  so  as  to  get  a  bet 
ter  arm  than  their  own,  which  was  the  old  Harper's  Ferry 
musket.  The  examination  and  refitting  lasted  for  parts  of  two 
or  three  days.  On  the  9th,  Henry  J.  Roberts,  of  Co.  C,  fired  a 
loaded  gun,  the  muzzle  immediately  upon  a  considerable  quan 
tity  of  powder  which  was  scattered  about  the  floor,  all  of  which, 
of  course,  at  once  exploded,  fatally  burning  himself  and  Wil 
liam  Herridge,  of  Co.  E — he  lived  until  the  third  day,  and  Her- 
ridge  lingered  several  days  longer.  Other  parties  were  in  the 
room,  but  escaped  without  notable  injury. 

On  the  13th  I  went,  with  a  part  of  my  command,  on  a  scout, 
with  a  detachment  from  the  1st  East  Tennessee,  and  the  1st 
Kentucky  Cavalry,  the  whole  under  command  of  Major  Ellis 
in  person.  We  returne  1  to  camp  a  little  before  day  on  the  14th, 
without  observable  results. 

On  the  14th  Col,  0.  H.  Moore,  '25th  Michigan,  commanding 
the  Post,  directed  Major  Ellis  to  send  a  scout  of  thirty  men, 
with  directions  to  proceed  as  far  as  Green  Paver  Bridge,  and 
parole  such  wounded  prisoners  as  had  not  been  paroled,  and 
make  such  discoveries  and  arrests  as  opportunities  offered. 
The  order  was  sent  to  me  for  the  scouts,  when  I  directed  Capt. 
McCartney  to  report  with  the  men.  He  proceeded  promptly  to 
headquarters,  received  his  orders  and  was  on  the  road  at  once. 
A  lew  wounded  prisoners  were  paroled,  and  he  arrested  and 
sent  up  to  Col.  Moore  one  deserter  from  the  13th  Kentucky. 

On  the  loth  I  was  ordered  by  Major  Ellis,  under  directions 
from  Col.  Moore,  to  proceed  with  my  command  to  Columbia, 
Adair  county,  Ky.,  requiring  Capt.  McCartney,  whom  1  should 
meet  on  the  road,  to  join  me  there. 

We  reached  Columbia   about  noon  on  the  16th.     My  orders 


58  HISTORY  OF   THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

were  to  thoroughly  scout  the  roads  leading  into  Columbia,  and 
ascertain  it  possible  the  whereabouts  and  strength  of  any  force 
of  the  enemy  that  might  be  in  the  vicinity. 

Learning  immediately  after  my  arrival  that  Bobert  Cross,  a 
prominent  citizen  of  Burksville,  was  recruiting  a  company  for 
the  Confederate  service  within  our  lines,  I  obtained  two  guides,- 
both  belonging  to  the  1st  Kentucky  Cavalry,  and  proceeded,  at 
6  o'clock  in  the  evening  with  twenty-two  men,  to  Burksville, 
reached  that  place — twenty-eight  miles  distant — just  before 
day,  the  17th,  and  searched  a  house  in  which  Cross  was  sup 
posed  to  be,  but  without  finding  him.  It  was  known  that  he 
frequently  slept  in  a  house  just  across  the  Cumberland,  and 
in  plain  sight  of  the  ferry.  Against  the  advice  of  my  princi 
pal  guide  I  determined  to  cross  the  river  and  search  that  house, 
before  searching  the  town— which  search  the  guides  proposed 
I  should  first  make.  Upon  reaching  the  river  the  canoe  and 
fiat  boat  were  on  the  opposite  side.  The  guide  referred  to, 
Joseph  D.  Bordon,  immediately  doffed  his  clothing  and  swam 
the  river,  got  into  the  canoe  and  brought  it  over,  three  of  my 
men  returning  in  it,  and  bringing  over  the  fiat  boat.  By  this 
time  it  wras  broad  daylight,  though  a  little  foggy,  and  we  could 
be  plainly  seen  from  the  house  we  had  our  eyes  on.  I  crossed 
the  river  with  a  dozen  men,  and  hurrying  up  the  hill  entered 
the  house,  and  found  the  object  of  my  search,  and  also  Lieut. 
Tyrrell,  of  Morgan's  command,  and  two  men,  sound  asleep. 
One  was  wounded  in  a  recent  fight  and  1  paroled  him.  The 
others  were  hurried  across  the  river  and  carefully  guarded, 
while  I  sent  out  a  party  to  capture  a  few  rebel  soldiers  a  mile 
and  a  half  out  of  town.  None  were  found,  however.  I  should 
have  stated  that  I  threw  out  pickets  011  every  outlet  from  town 
as  soon  as  we  entered  it. 

We  set  out  for  camp  at  11  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  reaching 
it  before  dark,  after  a  hard  ride.  The  man  whom  I  suspected 
of  being  a  newr  recruit,  but  had  not  the  evidence  against,  took 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  when  I  discharged  him. 

The  others  wrere  sent  up  to  Col.  Moore,  at  Lebanon,  on  the 
19th  of  July. 

Finding  no  organized  force  north  of  the  Cumberland,  I  look 
the  responsibility  of  crossing  the  river  on  two  other  occasions 


CAPT.  DUNN'S  REPORT.  59 

— scouting  on  the  19th  and  20th  as  far  as  Albany,  Clinton  Co. 
Kentucky,  but  without  results,  save  impressing  the  scattered 
rebels  infecting  that  region  with  the  idea  that  a  stro  ig  reserve 
was  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  at  no  considerable  distance. 
Lieut.  Petrie  and  thirty  men  accompanied  me.  I  was  advised, 
however,  that  it  was  unsafe  to  cross  with  less  than  sixty  men. 
On  the  19th  Cap".  McCartney  comniinlel  a  party  of  twenty- 
live  men  on  a  hcouL,  accompanied  by  Lieut.  Newman,  hoping 
io  intercept  rebel  soldiers  straggling  singly  and  in  squads,  who 
h  ul  been  cut  off  from  Morgan's  force  while  passing  through 
tlu  state.  He  re.urnel,  after  t.vo  days  absence,  without  rind 
ing  any  stragglers.  Lieut.  Brown  was  sent  up  with  the  pris- 
one.s,  as  I  did  not  feel  safe  in  trusting  Cross  with  an  ordinary 
guard.  Lieut.  Griffin  remained  in  camp. 

On  the  23d  I  s'ar.ed  with  sixty  men,  with  Lieut.  Grillin  and 
Lieut.  Petrie,  on  an  expedition  into  Overtoil  county,  Tennes 
see,  taking  with  1113  three  comp^t^nt  guides,  and  crossing  the 
Cnmbjiland  nine  miles  below  Burksville..  We  returned  after 
a-i  absence  of  four  days,  having  captured  one  captain  and  four 
privates  in  Tennessee,  and  two  soldiers  and  three  refugees 
from  the  conscription,  afto>:  we  recrossed  the  river.  The'  refu 
ge  M  were  vouched  for  and  W_TJ  not  detained.  The  five  pris 
oners  taken  in  Tennessee  were  paroled;  the  captain — Quirks 
of  Morgan's  command — was  wounded  in  the  light  at  "Marrow 
bone,"  an  1  a  p. i  vale  was  sick.  I  did  not  wish  to  be  encumber 
ed  wirh  prisoners,  as  I  anticipated  trouble  with  a  foicj  under 
Col.  llugnes,  who  was  rep  )iij  1  to  be  in  the  vicinity,  but  with 
who  n  I  did  not  fall  in.  The  other  two  wei'e  sent  up  to  Col. 
Moore,  at  Lebanon,  as  also  were  two  who  surrendered  them 
selves  to  me  in  camp.  Three  o':he:  Tennesseeans  surrendered 
themselves,  subscribed  the  o<;t  i  of  allegiance,  and  were  dis 
charged.  My  operations  required  my  little  command  to  spend 
entire  nights  in  the  saddle, 

I  am  indebted  to  Cap1:.  McCartney  and  the  lieutenants  who 
wjre  with  me,  for  prompt  and  efficient  assistance  in  carrying 
o  it  my  instructions.  Among  them  was  an  order,  just  before 
e  ection  day,  to  proceed  wi-li  my  command  to  Burksville,  to 
protect  the  citizens  on  that  day  from  violence  threatened  by 
the  rtbjls.  Thai  movement  was  made,  but  no  disturbance 


60  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

took  place.  I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of  the  promptness  and 
alacrity  with  which  all  the  men  performed  the  fatiguing  duties 
assigned  to  them,  nor  of  their  exceedingly  orderly  and  soldier 
ly  conduct  ("gentlemanly  conduct,"  the  citizens  denominated 
it),  for  which,  indeed,  they  received — and  I  am  happy  to  note 
the  fact — the  unbounded  commendation  of  the  citizens  through 
an  extent  of  country  fifty  miles  in  diameter. 

Under  an  order  from  Col.  Moore,  on  the  8th  of  August,  we 
returned  to  the  regiment,  reaching  it  here  on  the  10th, — the 
command  numbering  eighty-two  men,  some  having  joined  the 
regiment,  and  ten  men  who  had  been  detailed  to  guard  the 
polls  at  Greensburg,  Ky.,  not  having  returned  with  it. 
Very  Besp'y,  your  Ob't.  Serv't, 

A.  A.  DUNN, 
Capt.  Commanding  Scouts. 

To  Col.  Thomas  J.  Henderson,  Commanding  ll'2tli  Beg.  Ills. 
Vols. 


CHAPTEB  VII. 

TIIR    FIGHT    AT    RICHMOND— THE  SCOTT    RAID — AN    EXCITING  CHASE. 

On  Sunday,  the  20th  of  July,  live  companies  of  the  112th  Il 
linois,  and  details  from  other  companies,  making  a  total  of  one 
hundred  and  eighty  men  of  the  regiment,  in  command  of  Capt. 
G.  \V.  Sronfe,  and  details  from  other  regiments  in  the  hrigade, 
all  in  command  of  Major  Dow,  with  two  hundred  and  seventy 
men  from  the  10th  and  14th  Kentucky  regiments,  the 
whole  detachment  under  the  command  of  Col.  Saunders, 
marched  at  night  from  Danville  to  Richmond — thirty-live 
miles  —arriving  there  at  8  o'clock  the  next  morning.  The  de 
tachment  went  into  camp  and  remained  there  that  day.  The 
rebels  had  driven  Col.  Gilbert  out  of  London,  and  were  ad 
vancing  toward  Eichmond.  A  strong  picket  was  thrown  out 
about  two  miles  on  the  London  road,  and  after  night  brought 
in  t  >  the  outskirts  of  town.  The  rebels  surrounded  the  sup 
posed  picket  post  in  the  night,  expecting  to  capture  the  out 
post  and  surprise  the  force  in  town,  but  when  they  sprung  the 
trap  the  game  was  not  there. 

At  daylight  the  next  morning  (28th)  the  pickets  were  attack 
ed  on  all  sides  of  the  town,  and  it  was  not  long  until  large  bod 
ies  of  rebel  cavalry  were  in  position  commanding  every  road. 
They  opened  upon  the  Union  troops  with  artillery,  and  for  an 
hour  and  a  half  poured  shells  and  solid  shot  into  their  ranks, 
but,  being  scattered  in  small  bodies,  our  forces  suffered  but 
little  loss.  In  the  meantime  the  rebel  lines  were  drawn  closer 
and  closer,  and  soon  our  troops  found  themselves  completely 
surrounded  by  more  than  1,500  of  the  enemy,  under  command 
of  Pegram  and  Scott.  The  air  was  filled  with  clouds  of  dust, 


62  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  the  men  were  covered  with  it  so  thickly  that  it  was  diffi 
cult  to  distinguish  friend  from  foe.  Capt.  Sroufe  was  in  a  corn 
field  with  part  of  his  command,  and  seeing  a  squad  of  men  on 
the  other  side  of  the  fence,  two  rods  away,  whom  he  supposed 
to  he  Union  soldiers,  called  out  to  them :  "Here,  boys,  come 
in  here  !"  and  received  in  reply  a  volley  from  rebel  carbines. 
Lieut.  Davenport,  with  his  company  (H),  in  changing  posi 
tion,  rode  right  up  to  the  rebel  lines,  and  seeing  their  mistake 
wheeled  and  rode  away,  followed  by  a  volley  as  soon  as  the  re 
bels  discovered  their  own  mistake — they  at  first  supposing 
them  to  belong  to  their  own  forces.  There  was  but  one  way  to 
get  out  of  there,  and  that  was  to  mass  the  Union  forces  quick 
ly  at  a  point  where  the  rebel  line  was  weakest,  and  with  a  dash 
and  a  yell  cut  their  way  through.  Capt.  Colcord,  with  his 
company  (K),  was  the  last  to  come  in  from  his  position  and 
join  the  column  forming  for  that  purpose,  and  they  were  at 
first  mistaken  for  rebels  and  came  near  being  fired  into. 

Capt.  Lee,  with  his  company  (A),  was  at  one  time  complefe- 
ly  surrounded,  and  the  rebels  yelled  with  satisfaction  as 
they  demanded  his  surrender,  but  he  cut  his  way  out  and 
joined  the  main  column.  When  all  was  ready,  Col.  Sauriders 
gave  the  command  to  "charge  !"  and  plunging  spurs  into  their 
horses  sides,  away  they  went,  like  a  whirlwind,  through  the 
rebel  lines,  shooting  right  and  left  and  yelling  at  the  top  of 
their  voices.  They  were  closely  pursued  by  the  rebels  ;  lut  as 
the  latter  were  by  this  time  nearly  out  of  ammunition  for  their 
carbines  and  could  only  use  their  revolvers,  the  Union  forces 
escaped  with  but  little  loss,  and  made  their  way  to  Lexington, 
where  they  were  joined  the  next  day  by  the  112  h  Illinois  and 
other  Union  troops.  The  whole  loss  of  the  detachment  was 
ten  men  killed,  and  about  twenty-five  wounded  and  captured. 
A  number  who  were  cut  off  and  supposed  to  have  been  cap 
tured  succeeded  in  eluding  the  rebels,  and  rejoining  their  com 
mands. 

The  casualties  of  the  112th  Illinois  were  as  follows  : 
Co.  C. — Allen  Woods,  severely  wounded ;  Emanuel  C.  Bet- 
chel,  wounded  and  captured;  JolmM.  Henderson,  foot  broken 
and  severely  injured  by  fall  of  horse,  and  captured  ;  and  John 


CAPTURED  AND  WOUNDED.  08 

F.  Barney,  Wesley  Crigler,  Noah  Hampton,  George  Keltonand 
William  F.  Smith,  captured. 

Co.  H. — Serg.  John  H.  Mat! hews,  captured. 

Co.  K. — James  Ague,  Joseph  Clough,  John  M.  Blade  and 
Delos  Taylor,  wounded  ;  and  Lewis  H.  Detterman,  Gran  In 
grain  and  Gunne  Gppleeust,  captured, 

Co.  G.— Serg.  Eli  H.  Mauck,  John  S.  Kite,  Hiram  W.  Hub- 
bard  and  William  0.  Shurtleff,  captured. 

The  captured  men  WOL-O  paroled  on  the  ground  ;  but  the  pa 
roles  were  not  recognized  by  the  government,  and  the  depart 
ment  commander,  by  general  order,  directed  all  these  men, 
and  others  coming  within  the  rule  laid  down,  to  report  to  their 
respective  commands  for  duty,  and  the  ll'2th  Illinois  men  at 
once  joined  "the  regiment. 

The  Co.  G  men  were  captured  about  two  miles  north  of 
Richmond.  A  company  of  the  10th  Kentucky  cavalry  was  rear 
guard,  and  running  out  of  ammunition  was  unable  to  hold  the 
rebels  in  check.  Lieut.  Spaulding  directed  Serg.  Mauck  and 
three  men  to  take  down  the  fence,  so  he  could  move  the  com 
pany  into  position  in  a  held  to  check  the  rebel  advance. 

As  they  were  removing  the  fence,  the  rebels  made  a  charge 
and  the  company  was  swept  down  the  road,  leaving  the  dis 
mounted  men  surrounded  by  the  enemy.  They  were  sent  to  the 
rear  without  a  guard,  and  being  covered  with  dust  fell  in  with 
another  advancing  rebel  force,  without  being  recognized,  and 
joined  Avi'-h  them  in  making  a  cha-'go  upon  our  lines,  hop 
ing  by  that  means  to  make  their  escape.  They  were  recogniz 
ed,  however,  by  Col.  Scott  and  ordered  back. 

Serg.  Mauck  again  attempted  to  reach  the  front,  but  he  was 
again  recognized  by  Scott,  who  drew  his  revolver  and  threat 
ened  to  blow  Mauck's  head  off  if  he  did  not  go  to  the  rear  and 
stay  there.  They  were  then  dismounted,  and  marched  back 
to  town  and  paroled. 

August  T.  Sniggs,  of  Co.  H,  was  also  cut  off  and  surrounded 
by  rebels,  who  commanded  him  to  surrender,  but  he  ran  into 
a  corn  field  and  concealed  himself  and  made  his  escape. 

While  at  Danville  the  1st  and  2nd  East  Tennessee  regiments 
of  mounted  infantry  were  added  to  the  brigade  ;  and  the  112th 
exchanged  its  old  Harper's  Ferry  muskets  for  new  Eiifield  ri- 


64  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

fles.  The  rifles  arrived  in  the  night  of  July  26th,  and  orders 
were  given  to  draw  and  issue  them  instanter,  and  he  ready  to 
move,  with  five  days  rations  at  a  moments  notice. 

The  men  turned  out  of  their  tents  ;  the  new  arms  and  accou 
trements  were  distributed,  the  old  packed  in  hoxes  ready  for 
shipment,  rations  prepared  and  everything  got  in  readiness 
for  an  immediate  movement ;  but  the  day  passed  and  no  or 
der  to  march  was  given.  Information  was  wanted  as  to  the 
movements  of  the  rebels,  and  finally  it  came.  At  4  o'clock 
Tuesday  afternoon  (the  28th),  the  command  was  given  to  move 
at  once  ;  and  leaving  one  hundred  men  in  camp  in  command 
of  Capt.  J.  C.  Dickerson  (who  was  unable  to  ride  on  account 
of  an  injury  received  in  a  tussle  with  a  mule)  the  112th  Illinois 
with  the  brigade,  marched  for  Lexington,  and  arrived  there 
at  2  o'clock  the  following  morning,  and  after  resting  two 
hours,  was  ordered  to  saddle  up  and  be  ready  to  move  in  live 
minutes,  but  did  not  start  until  in  the  afternoon.  The  detach 
ment  from  Richmond  joined  the  regiment  here  ;  and  informa 
tion  having  been  received  that  the  rebels  were  at  Winchester, 
the  112th  Illinois,  10th  and  14th  Kentucky,  2nd  East  Tennes 
see  regiments,  and  a  battalion  of  the  oih  East  Tennessee,  (a 
new  organization  half  formed,  made  up  of  Union  refugees  from 
Tennessee) — all  mounted,— and  the  2nd  Ohio  battery,  C.>1. 
Saunders  in  command,  at  3  o'clock,  started  after  them,  arriv 
ing  at  Winchester  at  8  o'clock  the  same  evening. 

The  Union  advance  guard  here  came  upon  the  rebel  rear 
guard  and  captured  eight  or  ten  of  them.  At  Winchester  the 
command  left  the  turnpike,  and  struck  into  the  hills,  over 
rough  and  stony  roads,  through  ravines  and  across  streams, 
in  the  midst  of  a  terrible  thunder  shower  which  continued  un 
til  daylight.  The  force  of  rebels  under  Scott  had  taken  this 
route,  hoping  to  elude  the  Union  troops  and  make  their  escape 
from  the  State ;  but  Col.  Saunders,  who  commanded  this  de 
tachment  of  Union  troops,  was  determined  to  punish  Scott  for 
driving  him  out  of  Richmond  two  days  before. 

The  Union  troops  marched  all  night  and  overtook  the  rebel 
column  at  8  o'clock  the  next  morning,  at  a  little  place  called 
Vienna.  The  rebels  attempted  to  make  a-stand  here,  but,  af 
ter  a  sharp  skirmish,  broke  and  retreated  rapidly  toward  Ir- 


ON  THE  MOVE.  05 

vine,  on  the  Kentucky  Paver,  followed  closely  by  the  Union 
forces.  Arrived  at  Irvine  at  noon.  Here  the  rebels  again 
formed  a  line  and  showed  tight ;  but  after  a  severe  skirmish, 
lasting  about  two  hours,  the  battery  was  brought  up  and  open 
ed  on  them,  and  at  the  same  time  the  Union  troops  charged 
upon  their  line,  and  they  gave  way  and  retreated  towards  Lan 
caster. 

Up  to  this  time  the  Union  column  had  made  but  one  halt 
exceeding  thirty  minutes  since  leaving  Lexington,  and  that 
was  at  Vienna  while  engaged  in  a  skirmish.  Frequent  halts 
of  a  few  minutes  each  had  been  made,  and  during  these  the 
men  had  fed  their  horses  corn,  which  had  been  found  in  the 
country,  picked  up  the  uneaten  ears  Avhen  the  bugle  sounded 
the  advance,  and  carrying  them  until  another  halt  was  made, 
and  then  feeding  again  ;  and  in  that  manner  the  horses  had 
fared  very  well  for  food.  But  both  men  and  horses  needed  a 
little  rest,  so  the  command  halted  at  Irvine  to  take  breath, 
and  feed  the  horses  some  hay  which  was  found  there. 

When  the  column  left  the  turnpike  at  Winchester  and  struck 
the  "knobs"  the  wagon  train,  containing  rations  and  feed  for 
the  horses,  was  left  in  the  rear,  and  the  men  now  had  only  two 
crackers  each  (many  not  any),  and  a  very  small  piece  of  very 
dirty,  greasy  meat.  This  was  their  first  "square  meal"  since 
leaving  Lexington,  and  after  eating  that,  the  order  was  given 
to  mount  and  away  again  in  pursuit  of  the  flying  rebels. 

Again  the  column  moved — marched  the  remainder  of  the 
day  and  all  night — the  advance  guard  engaged  in  a  continual 
skirmish  with  the  rebel  rear  guard — until  daylight,  when  the 
main  rebel  force  was  discovered  a  short  distance  ahead  at  "Big- 
Hill."  A  temporary  halt  was  made  to  close  up  the  ranks  and 
get  into  line,  and  then  the  Union  troops  spurred  their  horses 
into  a  run  and  rode  straight  forward  toward  the  rebel  Hue,  yell 
ing  like  demons,  and  firing  guns  and  revolvers  as  they  advanc 
ed.  The  rebels  fired  one  volley  and  then  broke  and  ran.  From 
this  point  the  chase  became  exciting.  At  a  little  town  near 
Lancaster  they  again  attempted  to  check  the  Union  advance, 
but  failed  and  scattered  and  ran  like  sheep,  through  fields,  over 
fences  and  across  roads,  on  to  Lancaster.  Here,  supposing 
• — 5 


66  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH!  ILLINOIS. 

the  rebels  would  halt  at  Lancaster,  Col.  Henderson,  with  the 
112th  Illinois,  made  a  detour  to  the  left  for  the  purpose,  if  pos 
sible,  of  moving  around  the  town  and  getting  possession  of  the 
road  between  them  and  Dick's  Eiver,  and  cut  ring  oft' their  re 
treat  ;  but  the  movement  was  discovered,  and  the  enemy  re 
treated  rapidly  to  the  river,  closely  pursued  by  the  Union 
troops. 

The  enemy  crossed  the  river  and  made  a  halt  on  the  oppos 
ite  side ;  and  as  the  112th,  which  was  now  in  advance,  was 
crossing  the  river,  the  rebels  opened  fire  with  artillery.  Col. 
Henderson  deployed  the  regiment  and  advanced  his  lines  rap 
idly  to  ascertain  their  position  and  strength ;  but  the  rebels 
were  not  prepared  to  make  a  stand,  and  again  broke  and  con 
tinued  their  night  toward  Stanford,  with  a  loss  of  sixty  of  their 
rear  guard,  who  were  captured,  and  the  Union  forces  followed 
in  hot  pursuit.  It  was  reported  that  a  Union  force  was  at 
Stanford  prepared  to  intercept  the  rebels  there,  and  it  was 
hoped  their  whole  force  on  this  road  would  be  captured. 

But  the  only  Union  force  at  Stanford  was  a  train  of  twenty- 
six  wagons,  loaded  with  provisions  and  forage  for  the  com 
mand  chasing  Scott, 'guarded  by  the  32nd  Kentucky  regiment ; 
and  upon  the  first  approach  of  the  enemy  the  32nd  Kentucky 
ingloriously  lied  and  abandoned  the  train  to  the  rebels.  The 
flying  rebels  halted  and  fed  themselves  and  horses  out  of  the 
Union  supplies,  burned  the  remainder,  with  the  wagons,  cap 
tured  the  mules,  and  continued  their  retreat  towards  Somer 
set. 

The  Union  forces  hurried  forward  to  Stanford,  and  arrived 
there  in  time  to  give  the  retreating  rebels  a  parting  shot,  but 
too  late  to  save  the  train.  It  was  now  5  o'clock  Friday  even 
ing.  The  main  force  of  rebels  was  only  two  miles  in  advance, 
but  the  Union  force  was  ordered  to  halt.  Some  corn  was 
found  in  the  country  for  the  horses,  but  the  men  had  nothing 
to  eat  except  what  they  could  purchase  in  town, — barely  en 
ough  to  keep  soul  and  body  together. 

Since  the  command  left  Lexington  the  men  had  had  no  sleep 
whatever,  except  what  they  had  slept  on  horse-back.  From 
5  o'clock  Thursday  evening  to  noon  Friday  the  command  had 
inarched  seventy  miles,  had  captured  many  prisoners  and  kept 


AN  EXCITING  CHASE.  07 

the  enemy  on  the  run.  The  road  was  strewn  with  abandoned 
arms  and  ammunition,  saddles,  bridles,  clothing  and  burning 
wagons. 

At  8  o'clock  Friday  evening  (July  81st)  the  order  was  given 
to  advance,  and  the  command  again  started  in  pursuit  of  the 
rebels.  Marched  sixteen  miles  to  Waynesburg,  and  there  halt 
ed  two  hours,  to  sleep,  and  then  marched  again  towards  Som 
erset.  Overtook  the  rebel  rear  guard  at  Somerset  and  pursued 
them  to  the  Cumberland  liiver,  at  Smith's  Ferry,  near  Waits- 
boro,  and  engaged  in  a  severe  skirmish  and  artillery  tiring,  but 
the  main  body  of  the  rebel  force  succeeded  in  crossing  the  riv 
er.  The  Union  troops  captured  a  considerable  number  of  pris 
oners  and  a  large  quantity  of  property.  It  was  now  Saturday 
evening,  and  the  command  was  relieved  from  further  pursuit 
by  Wo] ford's  brigade  of  fresh  troops,  and  moved  back  a  few 
miles  and  bivouacked  for  the  night,  hungry  and  weary.  Sup 
plies  having  been  forwarded  to  Stanford,  the  command  march 
ed  early  the  next  morning  (Sunday,)  and  arrived  at  Stanford 
at  3  o'clock,  where  rations  were  drawn — and  eaten  with  a  rel 
ish. 

The  next  day  (Monday,  Aug.  3d,)  the  command  returned  to 
camp  at  Danville, — having  marched  two  hundred  and  sixty 
miles — captured  five  hundred  prisoners,  among  them  Col.  Ash- 
by — and  scattered  hundreds  in  the  woods,  Avho  were  after 
wards  captured — and  several  pieces  of  artillery,  and  recover 
ed  a  large  herd  of  horses,  about  live  hundred  mules  and  nearly 
as  many  cattle,  which  had  been  plundered  from  the  citizens  ; 
and  the  Union  troops  had  taught  Scott  and  his  raiders  a  les 
son  which  they  remembered  during  the  remainder  of  the  war. 

All  the  horses  of  the  Union  troops  were  jaded  and  worn  out, 
and  some  were  completely  ruined  in  this  race,  and  soon  after 
returning  to  Danville  requisitions  were  made  for  other  horses 
to  supply  their  places.  When  the  regiment  moved  back  from 
the  river,  Col.  Henderson's  horse  was  so  lame  and  foundered  it 
could  hardly  walk.  Serg.  Doyle,  of  Co.  B,  offered  the  colonel 
his  horse,  which  was  accepted,  and  he  took  charge  of  the  col 
onel's  horse.  He  Avas  nearly  a  week  in  getting  the  horse  to 
camp.  Many  other  horses  were  in  equally  bad  condition,  and 
some  even  worse. 


68  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

On  the  return  from  the  Cumberland,  dozens  of  Union  sol 
diers'  hats  were  picked  up  on.  the  road,  which  had  been  lost  on 
the  night  march  from  Stanford — fallen  off  while  the  men  were 
sound  asleep,  and  not  missed  until  they  awoke  and  found  them 
selves  bareheaded. 

On  the  8th  of  August  the  112th  Illinois  with  the  other  troops 
at  Danville,  marched  to  Stanford.  Here  the  brigade  was  re 
organized  to  consist  of  the  ll'2th  Illinois,  the  1st  East  Tennes 
see,  and  the  45th  Ohio,  (mounted  infantry)  and  the  8th  Michi 
gan  Cavalry  and  1st  Indiana  Battery.  Gen.  Julius  White 
commanded  the  brigade  and  Gen.  Carter  the  division. 

Ever  since  the  affair  at  Monticello,  early  in  May,  Capt. 
Biggs,  of  Co.  C,  had  virtually  surrendered  the  command  of  the 
company  to  Lieut.  J.  B.  Mitchell ;  and  the  captain  resigned 
his  commission  on  the  9th  of  August,  and  retired  from  the  ser 
vice.  Lieut.  Mitchell  was  promoted  to  Captain,  Second  Lieu 
tenant  A.  P.  Petrie  to  First  Lieutenant,  and  First  Sergeant 
Homer  Sherbondy  to  Second  Lieutenant.  Their  commissions 
were  not  received,  however,  until  the  17th  of  October  fallow 
ing. 

Gen.  Burnside  arrived  at  Stanford  with  the  9th  Army  Corps, 
on  the  17th  of  August,  and  at  once  commenced  active-  prepar 
ations  for  the  permanent  occupation  of  East  Tennessee, 


CHAPTER-  VIII. 

OVER  THE  MOUNTAINS — THE  MARCH  TO  EAST 

TENNESSEE — RECEPTION  AND  UNION 

MEETING  AT  ATHENS. 

Tennessee  was  the  last  state  to  "secede"  from  the  Union. 
It  was  not  until  the  8th  day  of  June,  1861— nearly  two  months 
after  the  first  mad  assault  of  armed  rebels  upon  the  flag  of 
their  country — that  the  secessionists  of  the  State,  aided  by  the 
emissaries  of  the  rebel  government,  succeeded  in  passing  an 
ordinance  of  secession  and  uniting  the  State  with  the  so-called 
Confederacy.  Secession  in  Tennessee,  as  in  most  other  South 
ern  States,  was  not  the  act  of  the  people,  nor  the  consequence 
of  any  disaffection  of  the  people  to  the  Union,  nor  of  any  just 
complaint  against  the  National  Government ;  but  it  was  the 
result  of  a  foul  conspiracy,  entered  into  by  prominent  South 
ern  politicians  at  Washington,  who,  while  holding  high  official 
positions  under  the  government,  which  they  had  solemnly 
sworn  to  serve  and  maintain,  were  secretly  engaged  in  hatch 
ing  treason  against  the  government  and  plotting  its  destruc 
tion.  If  this  be  not  treason — if  Jeff  Davis  and  his  fellow-con 
spirators  be  not  traitors,  then  was  Benedict  Arnold  a  patriot, 
and  John  Wilkes  Booth  a  martyr  to  the  cause  of  liberty. 

But,  although  Tennessee  had  formally  withdrawn  from  the 
Union  and  joined  the  Southern  Confederacy,  the  brave,  hardy, 
loyal  mountaineers  of  East  Tennessee  refuse:!  to  transfer  their 
allegiance  from  the  Government  of  their  Fatheis  to  the  slave 
holders'  oligarchy  of  the  South. 

No  language  can  describe  the  sufferings  of  those  people  in 


70  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

consequence  of  their  loyalty  to  the  Union.  They  were  de 
nounced  as  traitors,  robbed  of  their  property,  driven  from  their 
homes,  hunted  like  wild  beasts  in  the  forests,  confined  in  loath 
some  dungeons,  hanged  like  felons,  and — a  greater  wrong 
than  all  these— many  of  them  were  forced,  at  the  point  of  the 
bayonet,  to  enter  the  rebel  army  and  light  for  a  cause  they 
hated,  against  the  Union  they  loved.  Many  others  lied  from 
their  homes,  and,  after  many  weary  weeks  hiding  in  the  woods, 
escaped  from  their  persecutors,  and,  nearly  starved,  half  nak 
ed,  crossed  the  mountains  and  enlisted  in  the  Union  army. 
Several  regiments  in  Kentucky  were  composed  almost  entirely 
of  "Union  refugees"  from  East  Tennessee.  One  prominent 
Union  lady,  of  good  family,  herself  conducted  men  enough  over 
the  mountains,  guiding  them  by  day  and  concealing  them  at 
night,  to  make  two  full  Union  regiments.  Hundreds  of  these 
refugees  had  not  heard  from  wife  or  family  for  more  than  a 
year.  Occasionally  a  letter  could  be  sent  home,  by  some  bold 
adventurer  who  was  returning,  who  rode  into  the  neighbor 
hood  in  the  night-time  and  slipped  the  letter  under  the  door 
of  the  house,  where  it  could  be  found  in  the  morning  ;  and  the 
good  wife  would  know  that  a  friend  from  the  Union  army  had 
brought  it,  but  she  would  have  no  means  of  knowing  who.  It 
might  be  a  near  neighbor,  but  she  knew  better  than  to  make 
inquiries.  The  fact  that  she  had  received  a  letter  was  careful 
ly  concealed.  It  was  almost  dangerous  for  a  Union  family  to 
lin'dtlie  in  that  country,  and  the  slightest  sign  of  intelligence 
from  the  absent  husband,  son  or  brother  might  bo  attended 
with  serious  consequences.  It  was  very  seldom  indeed  that 
any  communication  could  be.  sent  north  to  their  friends  in  the 
Union  army ;  and  the  Tennesseans  in  Gen.  Burnside's  army 
were  impatient  for  the  command  to  move,  for  the  occupation 
of  East  Tennessee  by  the  Union  forces  meant  to  them  a  visit 
home. 

On  the  17th  of  August  the  army  moved  from  Stanford  to 
Crab  Orchard,  where  iinal  preparations  for  the  march  over 
the  mountains  were  to  be  made. 

In  the  evening  of  the  18th  the  ll'2th  Illinois  Band  serenaded 
Gen.  Burnside ;  and  Col.  Henderson  and  several  other  officer 


CRAB  ORCHARD  TO  KNOXVTLLE.          71 

of  the  I12tli  called  on  him  at  his  headquarters,   and  spent  a 
short  time  very  agreeably. 

Gen.  White  detailed  the  following  officers  of  the  112th  as 
members  of  his  staff,  and  they  served  in  the  positions  here 
named,  under  different  brigade  commanders,  during  the  entire 
East  Tennessee  campaign,  until  the  regiment  was  dismounted 
at  Knoxville,  in  February,  1864  : 

Capt.  James  McCartney,  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  Gener 
al.  Lieut.  Thomas  F.  Davenport,  Acting  Assistant  Commis 
sary  of  Subsistence.  Lieut.  George  W.  Lawrence,  Acting  As 
sistant  Topographical  Engineer. 

On  Friday,  the  '21st  day  of  August — on  the  same  day  Gen. 
Eosecraiis,  in  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  com 
menced  shelling  Bragg's  rebel  army  out  of  Chattanooga — Gen. 
Burnside  marched  from  Crab  Orchard  with  the  Army  of  the 
Ohio,  the  9th  and  '23d  corps,  for  East  Tennessee. 

Before  leaving  Crab  Orchard,  Gen.  White  was  transferred 
to  the  command  of  the  4th  Division  of  the  23d  Corps,  and  Col. 
R.  K.  Byrd,  of  the  1st  East  Tennessee  regiment  was  placed  in 
command  of  the  1st  Brigade,  of  which  the  112th  was  part. 

With  a  wagon  train  nine  miles  in  length,  and  one  thousand 
pack  mules  ;  with  artillery,  ambulances,  and  all  the  necessary 
equipage  of  an  army,  the  march  across  the  mountains  was 
successfully  accomplished,  and  about  the  first  of  September 
Gen.  Burnside  established  his  headquarters  at  Knoxville. 
The  infantry  entered  Tennessee  by  way  of  Cumberland  Gap, 
and  proceeded  to  Knoxville.  The  division  of  mounted  troops 
of  which  the  112th  Illinois  was  part,  marched  by  way  of  Wil- 
liamsburg,  Jellico  Mountain,  Big  Creek  Gap,  Montgomery  and 
Wartburg,  to  Kingston,  on  the  Tennessee  River,  where  it  ar 
rived  on  the  first  day  of  September ;  and  the  next  day  Col. 
Byrd's  brigade,  including  the  112th  Illinois,  proceeded  to  Post 
Oak  Springs,  seven  miles  west  of  Kingston. 

Sergeant  Lucius  C.  Niles,  of  Co.  A,  was  drowned  in  the  Em 
ery  River,  near  Kingston,  on  the  31st  of  August.  His  body 
was  recovered,  and  enclosed  at  night  in  a  box  and  buried  by 
moonlight. 

At  Jofield's  cross  roads,  ten  miles  north  of  Williamsburg, 
Co.  B,  of  the  112th,  in  command  of  Capt.  Dickerson,  was  or- 


72  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

clered  to  halt  and  wait  for  the  division  supply  train  to  pass, 
and  then  to  follow  the  train  as  rear  guard.  The  company  re 
mained  there  three  days,  in  a  country  abounding  with  pigs, 
fowls,  fruit  and  vegetables  (and  apple  branly),  airl  the  i  pro 
ceeded  with  the  train,  arriving  at  the  cam])  of  subsistence  at 
Emery's  Iron  Works,  eight  miles  north  of  Kingston,  on  the 
4th  of  September,  where  the  train  was  unloaded  and  the  com 
pany  relieved,  and  the  next  day  guarded  another  train  to 
Kingston,  and  then  proceeded  to  Post  Oak  Springs  and  rejoin 
ed  the  regiment.  On  the  Bd  of  September  the  45 til  Ohio  was 
detached  from  the  brigade,  by  Special  Order  No.  59,  Head 
quarters  28d  Army  Corps,  and  temporarily  assigned  to  the  4.1i 
Division,  then  at  London,  in  command  of  Gen.  Wbi  e. 

The  rebels  had  retreated  from  Kingston  upon  the  approach 
of  the  'Union  troops,  after  slight  skirmishing,  and  retired 
across  the  Tennessee.  They  crossed  the  river  by  ferry,  and 
in  their  hurry  twenty  men  were  drowned.  They  then  sunk 
tli3  boat  to  pre\e  it  its  falling  into  the  hauls  of  the  Union 
forces.  Capt.  Wright,  'with  his  company  (F),  was  directed  to 
proceed  to  the  river  and  raise  the  boat,  which  he  did  ;  and  at 
the  same  time  recovered  several  dead  bodies  of  the  drowned 
rebel  soldiers  which  rose  to  the  surface  with  the  boat,  and 
which  were  decently  buried. 

Lieut.  John  L.  Dow,  of  Co.  A,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  was  ap 
pointed  Provost  Marshal  of  Kingston,  and  with  an  efficient 
guard  at  his  command,  managed  the  affairs  of  the  town — civil 
and  military — in  a  manner  creditable  to  himself  and  to  the 
satisfaction  of  his  superior  officers.  He  made  himself  im 
mensely  popular  with  the  ladies  by  a  liberal  distribution  of 
the  contents  of  a  large  dry-goods  store  belonging  to  the  rebel 
merchant  Yost,  who  had  abandoned  his  store  and  gone  son  Hi 
with  the  rebel  army. 

Capt.  Dunn,  with  Co.  D,  in  command  of  Lieut.  Griffin,  and 
Co.  G,  in  command  of  Lieut.  Milchris'],  proceelel  on  a  scout 
from  Post  Oak  Springs  down  the  Tennessee,  and  brought  into 
camp  forty  sacks  of  flour  and  a  considerable  number  of  pris 
oners.  A  detachment  of  cavalry  from  liosecrans'  army  arriv 
ed  in  camp  during  the  night  of  September  Oth  with  dispatch 
es.  This  was  the  first  communication  with  the  Army  of  the 


AT  PRIGMORE'S  MILLS.  73 

Cumberland,   and  the  boys  turned  out  and  welcomed  them 
with  cries  of  "Bully  for  liosy  !" 

The  brigade  broke  camp  and  marched  at  7  o'closk  in  the 
morning  of  the  7th,  crossed  the  Tennessee  Paver  by  ferry  boat 
at  Kingston,  and  proceeded  about  three  miles  southwest  to 
Prigmore's  Mills,  arriving  there  on  the  evening  of  the  8th.  in 
the  midst  of  a  cold  disagreeable  rain  storm.  The  mills  were 
sot  in  operation  and  were  soon  grinding  food  for  the  Union 
troops.  Prigrnore  was  an  old  rebel,  and  the  products,  of  his 
large  farm  were  freely  appropriated  to  supply  men  and  horses 
with  food.  Among  other  supplies  captured  in  this  neighbor 
hood  were  thirty  head  of  fat  beef  cattle,  of  "rebel  proclivities," 
which  were  slaughtered  and  the  meat  distributed  to  the  Union 
soldiers.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  Prigrnore  was  a  se 
cessionist  and  a  rebel,  Col.  Byrd  issued  an  order  that  no  rails 
0:1  his  farm  should  be  burned.  No  sooner  had  the  troops  dis 
mounted,  however,  than  the  112th  Illinois  had  a  dozen  or  two 
bright  fires  burning,  made  exclusively  of  "top  rails."  Col. 
Byrd  rode  down  the  line  in  a  fury,  and  meeting  Lieut.  Col. 
Bond,  inquired  in  language  more  forcible  than  polite,  if  the 
112th  Illinois  proposed  to  disobey  his  orders.  Col.  Bond  re 
plied  in  equally  forcible  language,  "If  every  rail  on  this  - 
old  rebel's  farm  was  the  cross  on  which  our  Saviour  was  cruci 
fied,  my  men  should  burn  every  —  one  of  them."  Col. 
Byrd  wheeled  his  horse  and  rode  away,  too  greatly  amazed  to 
reply. 

Col.  Byrd  had  considerable  trouble  at  Prigmore's,  and  tied 
up  some  of  the  men  by  the  thumbs  for  foraging.  He  threaten 
ed  to  tie  up  some  of  the  112th  Illinois,  but  was  informed  by 
Col.  Henderson  that  he  would  attend  to  the  discipline  of  his 
own  regiment,  and  that  no  112th  man  should  be  humiliated 
by  such  punishment.  Col.  ByrcVs  intentions  were  good;  but 
th 3  men  misunderstood  him.  He  endeavored  to  save  the  corn 
and  forage  on  Prigmore's  farm  for  future  use — to  prevent  it 
fioiii  being  wasted — but  failed  to  make  his  motives  understood, 
hence  the  trouble.  He  was  accused  of  personal  friendship  and 
sympathy  for  Prigmore,  but  that  was  doubtless  untrue. 

On  the  9th  of  September  a  detachment  consisting  of  Co.  C, 
in  command  of  Capt.  Mitchell,  Co.  H,  in  command  of  Lieut. 


74  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Jesse  Newman,  and  Co.  I,  in  command  of  Capt.  Wilkins,  all 
in  command  of  Capt.  Sroufe,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  was  ordered 
out  on  a  scout,  and  proceeded  as  far  as  Athens  on  the  railroad, 
without  finding  any  armed  rebels.  Athens  is  a  beautiful  town 
on  the  Virginia,  East  Tennessee  and  Georgia  Kailroad/  sixty 
miles  south  of  Knoxville,  and  its  citizens  were  generally  in 
tensely  loyal  ond  patriotic.  They  welcomed  the  advent  of  the 
Union  army  with  joy,  and  tendered  the  detachment  under 
Capt.  Sroufe  a  dinner  in  token  of  their  friendship  for  the  old 
Union.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  add  that  their  proffered  hos 
pitality  was  not  declined.  A  Union  lady  informed  Capt. 
Sroufe  that  the  rebels  had/seized  a  National  Flag  belonging  to 
the  Union  people  there,  and  that  it  was  in  the  custody  of  a 
certain  rebel  family  in  town.  At  her  request  the  captain  vis 
ited  the  house  indicated,  and  politely  but  firmly  demanded 
the  flag.  It  was  surrendered  to  him  and  restored"to  its  right 
ful  owner.  The  detachment  returned  to  camp  late  the  same 
night  with  glowing  accounts  of  their  reception  at  Athens. 

On  the  10th  the  whole  brigade  moved  to  Athens,  arriving 
there  in  the  afternoon,  and  went  into  camp  on  Forest  Hill, 
about  one  mile  from  town,  and  in  honor  of  the  colonel  of  the 
112th  Illinois  the  camp  was  named  "Camp  Tom  Henderson." 

Upon  the  entry  of  the  Union  army  into  East  Tennessee,  in 
force,  the  rebel  troops. had  retired,  without  making  serious  re 
sistance  to  our  advance,  and  joined  Bragg's  army  at  Chicka- 
mauga.  This  was  the  first  appearance  of  the  Union  troops  in 
that  part  of  the  country,  and  the  people  along  the  line  of 
march,  Union  and  rebel,  turned  out  en  masse — the  Union  peo 
ple  to  welcome  the  boys  in  blue,  and  the  rebel  population  to 
gratify  their  curiosity.  The  latter  were  evidently  disappoint 
ed.  They  had  pictured  the  "Yanks,"  in  their  minds,  as  horri 
ble  looking  creatures,  blood-thirsty  savages ;  but,  as  one  of 
them  expressed  it,  "You 'mis  look  jest  like  other  men."  A 
camp  visitor  011  Sunday  said  to  one  of  Uncle  Sam's  soldiers, 
"You  'uns  don't  war  them  good  close  every  day  do  you '?"  An 
other,  a  woman,  with  the  ever  present  snuff-dip  in  her  mouth, 
the  tobacco  juice  running  out  of  both  corners,  down  over  her 
chin,  indignantly  inquired,  "What  for  you  'uns  come  down 
here  critter  back  to  fight  we 'uns'?"  Not  all  the  women  were 


THE  LADIES  AT  ATHENS.  75 

ignorant,  however,  neither  did  all  of  them  dip  snuff.  There 
were  few  able  bodied  men  in  the  country — they  were  in  the  ar 
my,  Union  or  rebel.  All  the  people,  and  especially  the  women  , 
were  radical  in  their  political  views — were  intensely  Union  or 
intensely  rebel— there  was  no  middle  ground  upon  which  they 
could  stand,  nor  any  conservative  principle  upon  which  they 
could  agree. 

It  m  iv  have  been  that  the  author  looked  with  partial  eyes 
upon  the  Union  women,  or  that  he  was  prejudiced  against  the 
"she  rebels,"  but  certain  it  is  that  lie  then  believed  the  former 
were  far  superior  in  appearance,  in  intelligence  and  in  behav 
ior  to  their  sisters  of  rebel  proclivities.  On  the  march  over  the 
mountains — through  Southern  Kentucky  and  East  Tennessee 
-hundreds  of  Union  women  who  had  heard  of  the  ''Old Flag," 
but  had  never  seen  one,  gathered  on  the  road  sides,  as  the 
troops  were  passing,  and  beggad  the  color  bearers  to  show 
them  the  stars  and  stripes.  Serg.  John  L.  Jennings,  the  reg 
imental  color  bearer,  many  times  unfurled  the  colors  of  the 
ll'2i;li  to  gratify  these  loyal  women,  and  patiently  explained  to 
them  the  significance  of  the  stars  and  stripes. 

The  author  met  one  Union  lady — cultured  and  beautiful— 
tlrj  wife  of  a  prominent  Union  officer,  who  had  travelled  over 
the  mountains  five  times — :i  distance  of  over  two  thousand 
miles — had  forded  dangerous  rivers,  traversed  dismal  forests, 
climbed  steep  mountain  ranges,  by  day  and  night,  in  storm 
and  sunshine,  attended  only  by  a  trusty  negro  woman,  to  car 
ry  information  to  the  Union  army  in  Kentucky. 

At  Athens  the  Union  soldiers  were  greeted  with  a  warm  wel 
come  by  the  citizens.  A  large  company  of  beautiful  young  la 
dies,  all  dressed  in  white,  bearing  two  elegant  National  Flags, 
inarched  out  to  meet  the  Union  troops,  and  with  bewitching- 
smiles,  amid  waving  handkerchiefs,  greeted  them  with  three 
hearty  cheers  for  the  good  old  Union  and  the  bonnie  boys  in 
blue.  The  ladies  carried  beautiful  bouquets  of  flowers,  artist 
ically  tied  with  red,  white  and  blue  ribbons,  which  they  be 
stowed  upon  the  boys  with  many  wishes  for  the  success  of  the 
Union  cause.  The  boys  responded  with  becoming  spirit.  Such 
a  reception  gladdened  their  hearts,  gave  them  new  courage  and 


76  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH   ILLINOIS. 

energy,  and. intensified  their  determination  to  free  East  Ten 
nessee,  and  the  whole  South,  from  rebel  dominion. 

A  large  meeting  of  the  citizens  was  addressed  by  Col.  Byrd, 
Col.  Henderson  and  others,  who  made  ringing  Union  speeches, 
which  were  enthusiastically  cheered  by  the  people.  A  seces 
sion  newspaper  office,  which  had  been  hurriedly  abandoned  by 
the  proprietor,  was  taken  possession  of  by  the  Union  army,  and 
Lieut.  Boynton,  of  the  8th  Michigan,  brigade  quartermaster, 
was  placed  in  charge  of  the  editorial  department.  Compositors 
were  detailed  from  the  regiments,  and  two  numbers  of  the  pa 
per  issued  while  the  troops  occupied  Athens.  The  paper  had 
been  called  the  "Athens  Post,"  but  Lieut.  Boynton  insertad 
the  word  "Union,"  making  it  the  "Athens  Union  Post,  " 
and  adopted  as  a  motto,  "THE  UNION  MUST  AND  SHALL  BE  PRE 
SERVED." 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  Union  meeting,  as  publish 
ed  in  the  Post: 

"PATRIOTIC  GATHERING." 

"Last  Thursday,  after  our  army  came  into  this  place,  the 
citizens  requested  Col.  Byrd  to  address  them  at  some  appoint 
ed  time,  in  order  that  the  public  might  better  understand  Hie 
policy  of  the  administration.  Our  enemies  had  entirely  mis 
represented  our  intentions.  Col.  Byrd  appointed  the  next  day 
(Friday),  at  ten  o'clock.  In  the  meantime  the  citizens  pro 
cured  the  Methodist  church,  and  sent  out  word  as  much  as 
their  limited  time  would  allow,  for  the  people  to  gather  in  and 
hear  what  was  to  be  said. 

At  the  appointed  time  Col.  Byrd,  of  the  1st  Kegiment  East 
Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry,  now  acting  Brigadier  General 
of  this  brigade,  Col.  Henderson  of  the  112th  Kegiment  Illinois 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Wormer  of  the  8th  Eegi- 
ment  Michigan  Cavalry,  made  their  appearance.  The  band 
belonging  to  the  112th  Illinois  enlivened  the  occasion  by  spir 
ited  tunes  of  a  patriotic  and  sentimental  character.  The  houne 
was  crowded  to  its  utmost,  and  everyone  seemed  anxious  to 
learn  the  "Lincoln  policy."  It  was  also  undoubtedly  quite  a 
curiosity  to  see  and  hear  those  dreaded  "Yankees." 

Not  knowing  that  we  would  be  able  to  publish  this  little 
sheet  when  the  meeting  took  place,  we  did  not  take  a  report  of 


MEETING  AT  ATHEENS.  77 

the  speeches  made,  and  have  to  depend  altogether  upon  our 
memory,  which  is  somewhat  limited.  We  would  have  been 
pleased  to  have  published  a  complete  report. 

A.  Blizzard,  Esq.,  opened  the  meeting  by  a  few  appropriate 
remarks.  He  very  feelingly  alluded  to  the  persecution  he  had 
submitted  to  for  the  last  two  years.  He  stated  that  it  was  the 
rii-st  time  in  that  period  that  he  had  been  permitted  to  address 
his  friends  at  a  public  gathering.  The  liberty  of  speech  which 
our  government  had,  up  to  the  breaking  out  of  this  war,  given 
t.)  the  people  had  been  taken  from  him  ;  he  was  obliged  to  go 
about  with  sealed  lips.  It  gave  him  great  pleasure  to  be  once 
more  under  the  protection  of  the  old  government  he  had  al 
ways  loved  so  well,  and  to  be  allowed  to  speak  his  sentiments 
publicly  and  without  molestation.  He  wanted  the  people  to 
near  for  themselves  whether  the  enemies  of  our  country  had 
stated  truly  and  fairly  the  policy  which  the  Union  administia- 
tion  had  adopted  in  conducting  the  war,  in  order  to  bring 
about  an  honorable  and  lasting  peace.  He  spoke  of  the  ban 
ishment  of  Col.  Byrd  from  his  home  and  fireside,  because  he 
loved  the  Union  that  our  forefathers  had  established  and  ce 
mented  with  their  blood.  He  was  happy  to  meet  him  again 
on  his  own  soil,  and  to  have  the  honor  of  introducing  him  to 
the  citizens  of  Athens  on  this  occasion. 

At  the  close  of  his  remarks  he  introduced  Col.  Byrd  to  the 
audience,  who  stepped  forward  and  said : 

FELLOW  CITIZENS. — I  wish  to  say  a  few  words  to  you  in  re 
gard  to  the  course  our  government  has  adopted,  and  to  dis 
abuse  the  public  mind  of  the  false  statements  made  by  public 
speakers  and  the  disloyal  press  of  the  South. 

It  has  been  said  by  them  that  when  we  came  among  you  we 
would  destroy  your  property,  desolate  your  fields,  steal  your 
niggers,  and  commit  all  kinds  of  depredations.  That  the 
"Yankees"  wrere  a  cruel,  barbarous  race,  and  that  they  would 
insult  your  wives,  mothers  and  daughters,  that  they  would  im 
prison  those  who  had  in  the  least  assisted  in  this  rebellion. 
It  is  dm  cult  to  state  what  they  have  not  said  about  the  inten 
tions  of  our  army,  and  what  we  would  do  when  we  came 
among  you.  We  believe  our  actions  and  conduct  will  prove 
that,  although  we  are  soldiers  and  "Yankees,"  as  they  are 


78  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

pleased  to  call  us,  yet  we  are  nevertheless  men  and  Imman 
beings.  We  do  not  come  here  to  oppress  you,  to  apply  the 
torch  to  your  dwellings  and  otherwise  destroy  your,  property. 
But  we  come  to  establish  law  and  order  to  put  down  a  false 
and  pernicious  government  which  the  rebels  have  sought  to 
force  upon  you. 

Our  commanding  generals — Gen.  Burnside,  Gen.  Hartsuff 
and  others — have  issued  stringent  orders  against  allowing  the 
soldiers  to  trespass  upon  or  molest  the  property  of  citizens, 
whether  they  are  loyal  or  disloyal.  The  severest  punishment 
will  be  given  to  those  who  disobey. 

In  regard  to  stealing  negroes — a  crime  which  the  Union  ar 
my  has  been  accused  of  time  and  again — I  would  say  that  we 
did  not  come  here  for  any  such  purpose.  Not  a  citizen  along 
the  route  has  been  robbed  of  his  negroes,  nor  do  we  propose 
that  they  shall  be. 

Gen.  Jackson,  that  good  old  patriot,  had  he  been  a  prophet, 
could  not  have  prophesied  more  truly,  when  he  said,  at  the 
time  South  Carolina  attempted  to  secede  from  the  Union,  that 
the  next  pretext  for  secession  would  be  the  slavery  question. 

I  can  remember  when  we,  of  the  South,  looked  upon  slavery 
as  an  evil,  and  talked  and  discussed  the  matter  as  such  among 
ourselves,  regretting  that  it  existed.  But  scheming  politicians 
saw  that  the  institution  might  be  used  for  political  purposes. 
The  agitation  of  it  brought  about  a  sectional  feeling,  and  from 
that  we  of  the  South  were  soon  led  to  believe  that  the  institu 
tion  was  right — that  it  was  of  Divine  origin  and  should  be  per 
petuated.  Thus  we  were  taught  to  believe  in  the  divinity  of 
an  institution  we  in  former  times  looked  upon  as  pernicious. 

I  want  my  friends  to  understand  that  I  am  for  the  Union, 
nigger  or  no  nigger.  We  will  have  our  government  first,  and 
examine  the  negro  question  afterward.  If  we  can  save  it  with 
the  nigger,  I  am  willing.  If  we  must  lose  the  nigger  to  pre 
serve  the  Union,  I  will  not  object.  The  Union  is  paramount 
to  all  other  questions. 

We  do  not  propose  to  take  anything  from  the  people,  unless 
we  give  them  value  received.  If  the  country  people  have  any 
produce,  grain  or  hay,  to  sell,  we  will  take  it  and  pay  them 
fair  prices.  The  soldiers  and  the  stock  have  got  to  live,  and 


ADDBESSES  AT  ATHENS.  79 

we  must  get  our  subsistence  here  among  you.  We  do  not  pro 
pose  to  take  it  from  those  who  cannot  spare  it.  We  will  leave 
them  enough  to  live  upon. 

The  Colonel  concluded,    after  a  few  happy  remarks,  which 
were  frequently  applauded  by  the  audience. 

Lieut.  Col.  Wormer  was  then  introduced.  He  said  he  was  a 
Michigan  man,  from  the  extreme  North — was  not  in  the  habit 
of  public  speaking,  and  could  not  say  what  he  wanted  to  say 
in  short  order.  He  was  surprised  at  the  Union  demonstra 
tions  he  had  seen  since  he  came  into  East  Tennessee.  He  was 
proud  of  the  East  Tennesseans,  and  the  Michigan  boys  were 
ready  to  assist  them  in  driving  from  the  country  their  enemies. 
He  said  his  boys  had  a  dose  to  give  those  who  would  not  lay 
down  their  arms.  It  was  called  the  Spencer  Pills  ;  seven  were 
taken  (if  necessary)  for  a  dose.  They  were  easy  to  take,  but 
fearful  effects  followed  suddenly  afterwards.  He  hoped  the 
war  would  soon  close,  and  if  possible  without  any  further 
bloodshed. 

He  was  glad  to  see  that  the  people  had  got  over  their  fright 
—that  they  had  found  the  "Yankees"  without  horns.  The  peo 
ple  here  had  been  led  to  believe  that  we  were  monsters,  with 
horns,  and  that  we  were  coming  to  destroy  them  all.  He  be 
lieved  it  would  be  but  a  short  time  before  the  war  would  cease, 
and  we  would  once  more  join  hands,  North  and  South.  Law 
and  order  would  prevail,  and  we  northern  men  could  return 
home,  conscious  that  the  old  government  was  reestablished, 
and  peace  and  harmony  existed,  North  and  South,  East  and 
West. 

Col.  Henderson  was  then  called  upon,  and  after  being  intro 
duced  to  the  audience  as  an  Illinoisan,  said  : 

He  was  happy  to  be  permitted  to  address  the  people  of  his 
native  State  on  this  occasion.  He  was  born  in  Tennessee  but 
was  a  citizen  of  Illinois  by  adoption.  He  had  always  taken  a 
great  interest  in  his  native  state,  and  had  been  pained  to  see 
what  ruin  and  anarchy  prevailed  in  Tennessee,  and  regretted 
the  course  she  had  taken. 

He  said  Illinois  had  sent  one  hundred  and  thirty  odd  thous 
and  men  into  the  field  to  restore  the  Union,  and  if  it  was  nec 
essary  she  could  send  as  many  more.  The  North  was  united 


80  HISTOBY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  determined.  He  spoke  of  the  Emancipation  Proclama 
tion.  It  was  a  necessary  measure  to  weaken  our  enemies — 
that  the  slaves  were  used  against  us,  in  the  fortifications  as 
well  as  in  the  fields.  Had  the  South  remained  with  us  it 
would  have  had  greater  protection  thrown  around  the  institu 
tion  of  slavery,  under  the  present  administration,  than  it  ever 
had  before.  In  fact  there  was  greater  danger  of  the  North  be 
coming  all  pro-slavery  than  all  abolitionists.  People  all  over 
the  country  had,  through  political  influences,  worked  them 
selves  into  the  belief  that  it  was  a  good  institution,  and  the 
North  must  not  interfere  with  it,  but  the  war,  that  the  political 
demagogues  of  the  South  had  inaugurated,  had  entirely  chang 
ed  the  whole  order  of  things. 

He  spoke  of  the  humane  policy  of  President  Lincoln,  that  he 
did  not  want  to  oppress  the  people  of  the  South  or  deprive 
them  of  life,  liberty  or  their  property,  if  they  would  only  re 
turn  to  their  allegiance  to  the  government.  But  this  Union 
must  be  restored,  and  this  government  maintained,  cost  what 
it  may. 

It  is  impossible  to  give  a  correct  report  of  the  Colonel's  speech 
from  memory.  It  wras  an  able  speech,  and  was  received  with 
bursts  of  applause.  We  would  have  been  glad  to  have  printed 
it  entire  if  a  correct  report  could  have  been  obtained.  We  be 
lieve  it  would  have  done  much  toward  enlightening  the  public 
mind  in  regard  to  the  policy  of  our  government. 

The  meeting  dispersed  while  the  band  played,  everyone  ap 
pearing  well  pleased  with  what  they  had  heard." 


CHAPTER  IX. 

ARMY  CORRESPONDENCE. 
CLIPPINGS  FROM  THE  "ATHENS  UNION  POST". 

The  author  also  clips  the  following  articles  from  the  first 
number  of  the  Athens  Union  Post  (the  only  one  he  can  obtain) 
believing  they  cannot  fail  to  be  of  interest  to  every  112th  Illi 
nois  man,  and  as  illustrating  some  peculiar  phases  of  army 
life.  The  first  article,  "Army  Correspondence,"  was  originally 
written  by  Lieut.  Boynton  for  a  Michigan  newspaper,  but  hav 
ing  no  opportunity  to  send  it,  he  published  it  in  the  Post : 

"ARMY  CORRESPONDENCE. 

HEAD-QUARTERS  IST  BRIG.  CAV.  Div.  23D  ARMY  CORPS, 

Kingston,  East  Tennessee,  Sept.  2nd,  1868. 
Aug.  17th.  After  having  everything  in  readiness  to  inarch, 
we  started  at  6  :30  a.  m.  on  the  road  to  Crab  Orchard.  The 
advance  of  the  brigade  arrived  at  1 :30.  The  commanding  of 
ficers  found  after  marching  that  distance,  that  they  had  not 
entirely  restored  order  out  of  the  chaos,  and  had  not  therefore 
completed  their  preparations  for  so  great  an  undertaking. 
Here  Gen.  White,  commanding  this  brigade,  was  ordered  to 
take  command  of  the  4th  Division,  and  Col.  Byrd  of  the  1st 
Temi.,  Mounted  Infantry,  was  ordered  to  take  command  of 
this  brigade.  A  sufficient  number  of  horses  had  not  been 
drawn,  and  many  of  the  men  were  compelled  to  go  on  foot  to 
Crab  Or -hard.  It  was  a  sultry,  hot  day,  and  scores  of  them 
gave  out,  and  lay  along  the  side  of  the  road  under  the  shade 
trees. 
—6 


82  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

We  remained  at  Crab  Orchard  three  days,  during  which 
time  preparations  were  completed  for  the  expedition.  While 
we  were  in  camp  a"  Crab  Orchard,  the  2nd  Division  (infantry,) 
in  which  was  the  23d  and  25th  Michigan  regiments,  passed  on 
the  road  leading  to  Somerset.  All  the  roads  leading  over  the 
mountains,  in  this  direction,  were  completely  filled  with  troops. 
Trains  of  wagons  loaded  with  forage  and  supplies  followed  the 
different  brigades  and  divisions,  covering  over  mile  after  mile 
of  road  ;  and  it  seemed  that  the  rear  would  never  pass.  It  is 
impossible  for  one  not  connected  with  the  army  to  take  into 
contemplation  the  resources  of  our  government. 

Aug.  20th.  At  2  o'clock  we  were  again  under  motion,  fol 
lowed  by  a  train  of  wagons  belonging  to  the  brigade.  Gen. 
Burnside,  staff  and  body  guard  soon  after  took  up  their  line 
of  march,  followed  by  his  train  of  sixty  wagons,  in  which  was 
the  baggage  and  camp  equipage  of  himself  and  staff.  WTe 
moved  slowly  on  over  a  rough,  rocky  road  to  ML  Vernon— the 
advance  of  the  brigade  arriving  at  5  o'clock,  but  the  train  hav 
ing  been  too  heavily  loaded  for  the  roads,  some  of  it  did  not 
reach  there  till  the  following  morning.  Here  we  halted  one 
day  to  rearrange  the  loads,  as  they  were  altogether  too  heavy 
to  cross  the  mountains.  Before  reaching  Mt.  Vernon  we  had 
made  up  our  minds— as  the  town  had  been  named  after  the 
birthplace  of  the  father  of  our  country — to  mid  quite  a  nice, 
romantic  place ;  but  in  this  we  were  greatly  disappointed. 

On  the  road  we  found  that  romance  had  nothing  to  do  with 
driving  mules  before  army  wagons,  over  rocky  hills — in  other 
words  over  nature's  rough  paved  pathways. 

It  was  indeed  musical — so  much  so  that  I  forgot  to  pay  as 
much  attention  as  I  intended  to,  to  the  romantic  part— to  hear 
the  shouts  of  the  mule  drivers,  the  braying  of  the  mules,  the 
curses  and  blows  bestowed  so  lavishly  on  the  poor  unfortunate 
brutes.  It  was  particularly  interesting  on  the  part  of  the 
Michigan  boys  who  knew  little  about  mules,  rocks  or  hills. 
Had  the  mules  been  fortunate  enough,  when  they  were  usher 
ed  into  this  state  of  existence,  to  possess  souls,  not  one  of 
them  would  have  passed  on  to  that  better  land  if  the  Michi 
gan  boys  had  anything  to  say  about  it.  If  they  were  sent  to 
perdition  once  on  the  route,  they  were  times  innumerable.  It 


ARMY  CORRESPONDENCE.  83 

was  night  when  I  arrived  in  town.  Morning  dawned  upon  Mt. 
Yernon.  I  arose  from  my  rocky  bed,  with  a  rock  for  a  pillow, 
expecting  to  gaze  upon  some  beautiful  village  surrounded  by 
luxuriant  verdure,  shade  trees,  with  little  cottages  here  and 
there,  rich  gardens  with  abundance  of  vegetables  good  to  the 
taste.  But  alas,  a  squalid,  dirty,  uninviting  village,  so  called, 
met  my  anxious  looks.  I  dreamed  of  better  things  but  I  was 
led  to  believe,  as  the  Paddy  says  :  "Drames  go  by  contrairies." 
The  inhabitants  partook  of  the  same  characteristics  as  the  vil 
lage,  dull,  sleepy,  inanimate,  dirty  and  lazy.  I  could  not 
blame  them  much,  for  the  surrounding  country  was  enough  to 
give  even  a  Michigan  man  the  "don't  care  if  school  keeps  or 
not"  spirit.  But  little  vegetation  met  the  eye.  Here  and  there 
a  scrubbed  oak  tree  wras  visible,  while  old  moss-covered  rocks 
protruded  their  ugly  looking  heads  through  the  thin  layer  of 
poor  soil.  It  was  an  uninviting  place  for  a  soldier  with  an 
empty  stomach. 

At  this  place,  dealers  in  liquors  were  prohibited  from  selling 
their  stock  to  soldiers,  but  one  impudent  individual  who  had 
a  very  good  article  overstepped  the  order ;  Capt.  Weils,  of  the 
8th  Mich.  Cavalry,  who  was  acting  on  Col.  Byrcl's  staff  as 
Provost  Marshal,  getting  wind  of  his  maneuvers,  took  posses 
sion  of  his  institution  and  confiscated  the  liquor.  He  brought 
it  to  Col.  Byrcl,  who,  after  mature  deliberation,  concluded  to 
retain  it  at  head-quarters,  for  purely  medical  pmposes — thought 
it  would  be  necessary  to  cure  rattlesnake  bites,  as  the  moun 
tains  over  which  we  were  to  pass  abounded  with  the  reptiles. 
But  fortune  favored  the  brave,  and  no  one  was  bitten  by 
snakes.  The  -medicine  disappeared  in  a  remarkably  mysterious 
mjinner.  It  probably  might  have  been  taken  in  anticipation 
of  what  might  occur,  and  the  staff  undoubtedly  thought  it  best 
to  use  it  as  a  preventive,  believing  in  the  doctrine  that  an 
"ounce  of  preventive  is  worth  a  pound  of  cure." 

At  6  o'clock,  the  next  morning,  Aug.  '2°2d,  the  bugle  sounded 
"boots  niid  saddles,"  and  we  were  soon  on  the  road  again  tow 
ards  "\\~ij:  l  Cat  Mountains.  We  were  indeed  glad  enough  to 
leave  so  dismal  a  looking  town,  but  could  we  have  looked  for 
ward  over  the  roads  we  subsequently  traveled  we  would  have 
been  perfectly  contented  to  remain  in  Mount  Yernon,  though 


84  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

so  lifeless  and  dead.  Away  we  went,  up  hill,  the  wagons 
bounding  over  rocks  in  the  road,  and  it  seemed  at  times  that 
the  wheels  would  crush,  as  they  jumped  from  one  rock  to  an 
other.  But  it  appeared  that  Uncle  Sam  had,  for  once,  dealt 
with  an  honest  contractor  who  got  up  good,  substantial,  wag 
ons.  Slowly,  but  surely,  the  long  eared  animals  tugged  away 
(some  of  them  not  larger  than  rats)  at  their  loads.  The  col 
umn  would  occasionally  halt,  in  order  that  the  teams  might 
close  up.  A  little  after  12  o'clock,  noon,  we  were  ascending 
the  Wild  Cat  Mountains.  How  the  name  originated  I  could 
not  learn,  but  it  is  not  inappropriate,  for  a  wilder,  more  deso 
late  looking  place  could  not  well  be  imagined.  It  was  a  fit 
abode  for  wild  cats,  provided  they  depended  for  subsistence  on 
snakes  and  bats. 

Reaching  the  top  of  the  mountain,  we  found  where  Buell 
and  Bragg  had  a  set  to,  when  Bragg  was  retreating  from  Ken 
tucky.  Earth  works  were  thrown  up  on  the  top  of  the  moun 
tain  to  the  left,  where  Bragg  had  planted  his  batteries  to  re 
tard  the  movements  of  Buell.  Trees  had  been  felled,  in  order 
to  get  better  range,  and  the  narrow  road  leading  down  the 
mountain  had  been  obstructed  by  fallen  timber.  The  obstruc 
tions  had  long  been  cleared  out,  but  there  lay  the  evidences  of 
the  conflict. 

After  passing  down  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  mountain, 
we  found  for  a  few  miles  very  good  roads.  Towards  sundown 
we  reached  Rock  Castle  River.  On  the  opposite  side  another 
large  hill  made  its  appearance,  up  which  we  had  to  climb  with 
our  loaded  teams.  The  column  moved  on  without  much  diffi 
culty,  but  when  the  nearly  worn  out  mules  came  along  with 
their  heavy  loads,  it  did  look  decidedly  discouraging.  The 
poor  brutes  must  have  certainly  realized  it. 

It  was  10  o'clock  the  following  morning  before  the  whole 
train  reached  the  top  of  the  hill.  We  would  have  made  much 
better  progress  were  it  not  that  both  horses  and  mules  had 
been  kept  for  over  ten  days  on  half  rations,  and  only  hay  at 
that.  This  was  a  necessary  measure.  Grain  was  very  scarce, 
and  all  that  could  be  obtained  was  retained  in  the  wagons,  to 
be  fed  when  we  got  on  the  mountains,  where  it  was  impossible 
to  get  forage.  This  eventually  proved  to  be  a  wise  measure. 


CEOSSING  THE  MOUNTAINS.  85 

The  column  moved  on,  the  same  night,  six  miles  beyond 
London,  but  the  wagons  did  not  all  get  np  till  about  8  o'clock 
in  the  morning  of  the  next  day.  Some  of  the  mules  gave  en 
tirely  out,  and  the  teamsters  were  obliged  to  feed  them  on  green 
corn  stalks  before  they  had  strength  enough  to  go  further. 

At  London,  the  8th  Mich.  Cavalry  was  detached  from  the 
brigade,  and  was  ordered  to^take  the  left  hand  road  and  join 
the  brigade  again  at  Williamsburg,  but  as  they  had  got  in  the 
rear  of  the  division  train,  Gen.  Carter  ordered  them  to  act  as 
rear  guard,  and  assist  the  wagons  in  going  over  the  Cumber 
land  Mountains  ;  consequently  they  did  not  join  the  command 
until  three  days  after,  at  a  place  called  Chitwood,  after  we 
had  crossed  the  line  into  East  Tennessee. 

The  brigade  left  its  camping  ground  this  side  of  London 
about  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  marched  nearly  all  night 
over:  a  very  rough  road  and  wild  country.  About  midnight 
we  encamped  within  six  miles  of  Williamsburg.  Early  the 
next  morning  we  took  up  our  line  of  march  to  Williamsburg, 
arriving  there  between  8  and  9  o'clock.  There  we  found  the 
3rd  Brigade,  which  went  by  another  route.  Gen.  Burnsicle 
and  Gen.  Carter  were  also  there.  It  was  at  that  place  we  cross 
ed  the  Cumberland  Eiver.  Had  we  been  traveling  for  pleas 
ure,  with  all  the  comforts  of  life  along  with  us,  we  might  have 
noted  it  down  as  a  romantic  and  picturesque  place.  But  emp 
ty  stomachs,  tired  and  worn  out  bodies  and  sleepy  noddles 
could  not  appreciate  the  beauties  of  nature.  Our  longing  eyes 
and  gnawing  stomachs  were  contemplating  the  condition  of  a 
corn  field  not  far  distant  from  camp,  and  some  tall  tracks 
were  made  to  procure  roasting  ears  for  the  inner  man,  and  the 
stocks  for  our  hungry  horses  and  mules.  But  a  short  time 
elapsed  before  nothing  but  the  stumps  we^e  visible  on  the 
field.  All  along  the  route  fields  of  corn  disappeared  like  vap 
or  before  the  morning  sun.  But  our  kind  and  beneficent 
Father  Abraham,  Avho  is  conducting  Uncle  Sam's  business  ar 
rangements,  would  not  allow  the  loyal  people  to  suffer  by  los 
ing  what  little  provender  the  poor  soil  of  this  country  gave 
them ;  therefore,  he,  with  unusual  liberality,  sent  his  agents, 
laden  with  the  ever  welcome  "green-backs,"  to  pay  them  wrell 
for  what  the  boys  and  stock  consumed.  In  many  instances 


80  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

they  were  doubly  paid  for  what  the  army  had  taken.  Many  a 
man  woke  up  in  the  morning,  and  looked  out  up. HI  his  small 
Held  of  corn,  and  a  stack  or  two  of  hay,  or  grain,  and  at  nigh  t 
sat  down  and  counted  his  "green-hacks."  His  fields  weie  \\e\\ 
harvested,  as  a  general  thing.  A  great  amount  of  forage  was 
consumed  on  this  expedition.  Large  droves  of  cattle  were  fol 
lowing  the  army,  to  provide  the  men  with  meat ;  and  hundreds 
of  pack  mules  were  led  along,  laden  with  commissary  stores. 
All  the;-e  had  to  he  fed,  and  it  was  impossible  to  transport  for 
age  sufficient  to  feed  them  ;  consequently  it  was  necessary  to 
take  what  forage  we  could  find  along  the  route.  But  the  own 
ers,  on  proving  their  loyalty,  were  amply  paid. 

After  feeding  our  traveling  stock,  and  partially  filling  our 
bread  baskets  with  a  feAv  roasting  ears,  we  received  orders  to 
march  at  1  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  in  the  advance  of  the  whole 
force.  We  marched  some  six  miles,  to  a  place  called  Jones, 
where  we  encamped  for  the  night,  intending,  the  next  morning* 
to  go  through  into  Tennessee  by  the  waj  of  Big  Creek  Gap. 
But  that  night  we  learned  that  the  rebs  had  blockaded  the 
road,  and  the  next  morniug  we  had  to  change  our  course.  The 
First  Tenn.  regiment  was  here  detached  to  take  another  route 
across  the  mountains  to  Jacksboro,  Tenn. 

This  movement  was  made  in  order  to  attract  the  attention 
of  the  enemy  from  our  real  -object,  as  a  very  small  force  could 
hold  us  in  check  a  long  time.  This  proved  to  be  a  wise  move 
ment,  and  we  passed  over  the  mountains  unmolested. 

The  next  morning  we  took  another  route  over  the  mountains, 
which  from  the  appearance  of  things,  had  seen  but  little  trav 
el.  For  three  or  four  miles  we  did  not  find  very  bad  roads; 
they  were  rough  but  not  hilly.  Being  unacquainted  with  the 
country,  I  had  consoled  my  mind  with  the  idea  that  we  had 
passed  over  at  least  as  bad  roads  as  we  would  find.  But  poor, 
frail,  human  nature,  how  often  art  thou  deceived  !  Coming 
out  of  the  woods  into  an  open  space,  I  discovered  ahead  of  me 
a  long  range  of  mountains.  I  turned  around  and  accosted  a 
Tennessean  in  this  wise  :  "Friend,  what  mountains  are  those 
ahead"?"  "The  Jellico  Mountains,  sir,"  he  replied.  "Does 
the  road  run  over  the  mountains,  or  is  there  a  gap  through 
which  we  pass  ?"  "The  road  runs  directly  over  the  top  of  yon- 


CROSSING  THE  MOUNTAINS-  87 

der  mountain, "  and  his  linger  pointed  towards  the  highest 
mountain  in  the  range.  "Are  the  roads  very  bad  ?"  I  inquired. 
"Bad"  he  exclaimed,  "Good  God,  that's  no  name  for  it.  I  tell 
you,  friend,  if  we  succeed  in  getting  over  that  mountain  before 
dark  to-night,  I  shall  think  we  have  done  exceedingly  well." 

There  was  the  mountain  ahead  of  us,  and  here  stood  the 
battery  and  train  behind  us.  What  was  to  be  done  :}  No  sign 
of  human  habitation  or  civilization  greeted  our  anxious  looks. 
The  tall  trees  waved  defiantly  at  us,  and  the  gray  rocks,  that 
peered  their  ugly  looking  heads  from  out  the  side  of  the  moun 
tains,  seemed  to  say,  "Now,  boys,  we've  got  you  in  a  tight 
place."  But  the  trees,  rocks,  nor  the  lonely  wilderness  could 
intimidate  us.  Over  the  mountains  we  were  bound  to  go,  if 
we  had  to  carry  the  battery,  wagons  and  loads  by  piece-meal. 
The  battery,  (loth  Ind.)  was  ahead  of  the  train.  After  a  few 
moments  rest  and  reflection,  the  word  "Forward"  was  given, 
and  away  they  went  up  the  mountain.  They  had  not  gone 
more  than  fifty  rods  before  we  saw  that  it  was  impossible  for 
the  horses  alone  to  draw  the  battery  up.  Col.  Byrd  dismount 
ed  a  part  of  the  45th  Ohio,  and  the  112th  Illinois,  to  assist, 
and  with  their  aid  we  got  along  remarkably  well.  The  top  of 
the  mountain  was  reached,  wheels  were  locked,  and  we  imme 
diately  commenced  the  descent.  This  was  indeed  much  easier 
to  accomplish  ;  although  it  was  necessary  to  have  ropes  at 
tached  to  the  wagons  to  keep  them  from  going  down  too  fast, 
as  well  as  to  prevent  them  from  turning  over. 

Between  three  and  four  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon,  we  had 
succeeded  in  getting  the  train  all  over  the  ever  to  be  remem 
bered  Jellico  Mountains.  It  was  a  great  relief.  Officers  and 
men  had  worked  hard  to  accomplish  it  in  as  expeditious  a 
manner  as  possible.  The  Third  Brigade,  which  had  passed 
over  a  better  road,  here  got  in  our  advance.  WTe  went  some 
eight  miles  further  that  night,  and  encamped  at  a  place  called 
"The  Well,"  so  called  from  the  fact  that  there  is  a  well  at  this 
place  some  four  hundred  and  fifty  feet  deep.  The  water  is  not 
ed  for  its  medical  qualities. 

Here  the  cornfields  had  to  suffer  again,  as  the  division  sup 
ply  train  had  not  reached  us,  and  man  and  beast  must  have 
something  to  subsist  on.  At  six  o'clock  the  next  morning  we 


88  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

were  again  on  the  move,  in  advance  of  the  3rd  Brigade. 
About  10  o'clock  we  passed  through  Camp  Chitwrood,  where 
Gen.  Haskell's  division  was  encamped.  We  halted  six  miles 
beyond  and  went  into  camp.  Here  we  remained  until  3  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day.  The  8th  Michigan  and  1st 
East  Tennessee  joined  us  at  this  place. 

By  this  time  short  rations  and  corn  stalks  began  to  tell  heav 
ily  on  our  horses  and  mules.  Occasionally  a  horse  would  drc  p 
down  in  the  road,  and  a  mule  give  out  and  have  to  be  aband 
oned,  but  we  had  passed  over  the  worst  part  of  the  road  and 
felt  more  encouraged. 

The  supply  train  had  overtaken  us,  but  yet  there  was  but 
little  forage  to  feed  so  much  stock.  It  was  soon  gone  and  We 
had  to  depend  solely  011  the  cornfields  4)11  the  route,  and  what 
little  hay  we  could  find.  We  moved  on  as  fast  as  our  weak, 
half-starved  horses  and  mules  could  carry  us,  in  order  the 
sooner  to  get  beyond  the  Cumberland  Mountains  into  the  val 
leys  where  forage  was  more  abundant. 

WTe  were  now  in  Scott  county,  Tenn.  It  was  a  very  inhos 
pitable  looking  region  of  country,  and  it  required  all  the  moral 
fortitude  imaginable  to  keep  up  good  spirits.  WTe  would  trav 
el  for  hours  without  coming  in  sight  of  a  human  habitation, 
and  then  it  would  be  some  little  hut,  scarcely  fit  for  human 
beings  to  live  in,  and  secluded  among  tall  trees  and  rocks. 
Occasionally  small  patches  of  corn  and  a  hill  or  two  of  pota 
toes  were  discovered  near  these  dismal  huts.  These  would 
disappear  like  magic.  Horses  were  constantly  dropping  down 
in  the  road,  mules  were  constantly  exhausted,  neither  whips 
nor  spurs  would  pluck  up  their  courage,  and  before  we  passed 
the  boundary  line  of  Scott  and  Morgan  counties  we  had  lost  a 
large  number  of  Worses,  and  the  train  became  scattered  for 
miles,  but  we  pushed  on.  It  would  not  do  to  stop  the  column 
in  a  destitute  country  for  a  few  horses  and  a  few  wagons.  A 
few  miles  further,  we  found  more  forage.  This  was  fed  to  the* 
stock  economically,  yet  it  seemed  to  revive  them  up  in  a  great 
degree. 

The  people  in  this  part  of  the  country  were  truly  loyal. 
They  have  suffered  from  the  effects  of  this  war  beyond  all  cal 
culation,  and  they  have  borne  up  under  all  the  persecutions 


OUT  OF  THE  MOUNTAINS,  89 

% 

the  rebels  have  heaped  upon  them,  manfully  and  patriotically, 
without  a  murmur  ;  the  majority  of  the  East  Tennessee  moun 
taineers  are  truly  loyal. 

We  passed  on,  after  being  in  Scott  county  three  days  and 
nights,  to  Montgomery,  the  county  seat  of  Morgan  county. 
Here  we  found  the  rebels  had  left  the  town  the  day  before,  and 
there  was  a  likelihood  that  we  might  have  a  little  opportunity 
to  skirmish  before  we  reached  this  place.  We  moved  cau 
tiously  along  the  road.  About  dusk  a  bushwhacker  shot  the 
horse  from  under  one  of  the  pioneers,  who  was  in  the  advance 
clearing  the  road  of  obstructions.  As  w;e  expected  they  would 
try  to  obstruct  the  road  and  retard  our  movements,  Col.  Byrd 
sent  forward  the  1st  Tennessee  as  an  advance  guard,  and  in 
structed  Major  Ellis,  who  was  in  command,  to  throw  out  pick 
ets  and  feel  his  way  cautiously.  They  had  not  moved  far  be 
fore  they  came  upon  some  trees  which  the  rebs  had  felle  d 
across  the  road.  They  were  soon  removed  and  we  moved  slow 
ly  on.  We  had  not  proceeded  far  before  we  heard  the  sharp 
firing  of  the  pickets  ahead,  and  knew  that  there  was  some  fun 
going  on.  The  pickets  ascertained  that  they  had  obstructed 
the  road  and  that  they  had  thrown  up  breastworks  of  stone 
and  timber  on  the  left  of  the  road,  on  the  hill,  behind  which 
they  had  stationed  a  force  to  contest  our  advance.  It  was 
now  between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock,  the  moon  shone  dimly, 
and  as  it  was  a  place  so  situated  that  a  few  msn  could  cut  a 
whole  regiment  to  pieces,  Col.  Byrd  concluded  it  not  advisable 
to  advance  further,  and  went  into  camp  until  morning ;  throw 
ing  out  strong  picket  guards  on  all  the  roads.  Morning  came, 
but  not  a  rebel  was  to  be  found.  They  had  taken  leg  bail  to 
this  place,  Kingston,  and  from  here  to  Loudon.  We  were  not 
molested  in  any  way.  We  came  on  here  and,  took  peaceable 
possession  of  the  place.  .  Col.  Byrd  now  occupies,  the  same 
building  for  headquarters  that  Gen.  Forrest,  the  noted  rebel, 
did,  the  day  before  our  arrival. 

The  people  all  along  the  route,  and  more  particularly  at  this 
place,  greeted  us  with  shouts  of  applause,  while  they  waved 
the  dear  old  flag— the  stars  and  the  stripes— to  the  breeze, 
which  they  had  been  compelled  under  rebel  rule  to  hide  so  long. 
It  was  indeed  a  day  of  rejoicing  for  the  loyal  citizens  of  East 


90  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Tennessee.  For,  simultaneously  with  the  movements  of  this 
brigade,  other  troops  moved  over  the  various  roads  leading  to 
the  railroad,  thus  delivering  the  noble  patriots  of  this  country 
from  the  tyranny  of  King  Davis." 

"A  STAMPEDE." 

"On  the  news  of  our  occupying  this  portion  of  the  State,  a 
stampede  which  must  have  been  ludicrous,  occurred  among 
the  Confederate  soldiers  and  citizens.  For  some  days  they 
had  been  expecting  a  call,  but  were  not  certain  that  we  would 
favor  them.  Although  they  .apparently  had  everything  in 
readiness,  and  the  officers  of  the  Confederate  army  who  were 
fortunate  enough  to  have  sweethearts  had  bade  them  farewell, 
yet  there  was  a  hurrying  to  and  fro  ;  the  cry  was  "They  come, 
they  come."  Much  surprise  is  manifested  that  the  Confeder 
ates  did  not  show  fight.  Our  boys  expected  to  have  a  little 
set  to,  but  were  disappointed. 

"It  is  surprising  to  us  that  these  men  who  have  always  tra 
duced  the  character  of  the  Union  army,  called  them  ruthless 
invaders,  plunderers,  robbers,  etc.,  went  olf,  making  good  their 
escape,  but  leaving  their  wives  and  daughters  to  the  mercy  of 
these  "terrible  Yankees."  The  very  fact  of  their  leaving  them 
here  alone  is  sufficient  evidence  that  they  did  not  believe  what 
they  said  in  regard  to  the  savage  nature  of  our  boys. 

"We  believe  their  families  are  well  satisfied  with  the  treat 
ment  they  receive  from  the  Federal  army,  and  do  not  find 
them  such  brutes  as  they  had  been  represented.  There  are 
very  strong  symptoms  of  tender  regard  springing  up  between 
the  southern  ladies  and  the  Federal  boys,  and  if  the  Confeder 
ates  do  not  drive  our  army  away  from  here,  the  ladies  will  all 
.  return  to  the  Union — not  only  a  Union  of  States,  but  a  union 
of  hearts  and  a  u  nion  of  hands.  .  How  pleasant  will  be  the 
restoration  of  such  a  Union." 

"WHO  STEALS  THE  NEGROES?" 

"The  Union  army  has  been  accused  of  being  negro  steal  ers. 
But  we  would  ask  our  friends  who  believe  the  statement — who 
it  was  that  ran  the  negroes,  belonging  both  to  Union  men  and 
^Confederates,  into  Georgia?  Was  it  the  "Yankees?"  Is 


WHO  STEALS  THE  NEGROES.          01 

not  that  property  safer  under  Union-  than  under  rebel  rule '? 
Then  who  are  your  friends — those  you  have  upheld  and  sup 
ported,  or  those  you  have  learned  to  call  your  enemies'? 

"Let  it  1)0  distinctly  understood  hereafter  that  the  North 
does  not  want  your  slaves.  They  would  gladly  give  you  a 
quitclaim  deed—if  they  could  do  so— of  all  their  right  and  tit 
le,  and  send  all  there  is  north  of  the  Ohio  Pviver  back  south. 
You  have  only  cut  your  own  throats  in  attempting  to  dissolve 
this  Union,  thinking  that  you  would  have  better  protection 
thrown  around  that  kind  of  property." 

"THE  RECEPTION  AT  ATHENS." 

"Last  Thursday  morning  this  brigade,  the  first,  broke  camp 
at  Prigmore's  farm  and  started  for  this  place.  The  8th  Mich. 
Cavalry  took  the  advance.  About  three  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon  they  entered  this  patriotic  town  amid  the  waving  of 
nags,  the  shouts  of  the  people  and  a  shower  of  bouquets. 

"  Union  nags,  that  these  long  suffering  people  had  secreted 
in  their  houses,  were  flung  to  the  breeze,  and  there  was  a  gen 
eral  time  of  rejoicing.  The  ladies,  God  bless  them,  greeted  us 
with  smiles  as  well  as  sweet  flowers.  It  was  indeed  an  inter 
esting  occasion,  and  one  that  the  soldiers,  as  well  as  the  citi 
zens,  will  long  remember.  We  little  dreamed  when  we  were 
traversing  those  lonely  Cumberland  Mountains,  weary  and 
ofttimes  without  food,  that  we  should  be  so  amply  repaid  for 
the  hardships  'we  endured.  It  reminded  us  of  home,  and  the 
enthusiasm  which  prevailed  there  when  regiment  after  regi 
ment  left  for  the  seat  of  war  to  battle  for  the  restoration  of  our 
noble  government.  In  fact  we  have  not  witnessed  such  en 
thusiasm,  and  such  demonstrations  since  we  crossed  the  Ohio 
River. 

"It  is  cheering  to  our  noble  soldiers  to  know  that  the  people 
here  are  grateful  for  their  deliverance  from  the  despotic  yoke 
of  Jeff  Davis-  bogus  Confederacy.  It  is  admitted  even  by  those 
who  have  been  the  warm  supporters  and  admirers  of  the  would 
be  Confederate  Government,  that  their  rights  as  citizens,  and 
their  property  are  better  protected  now  than  under  the  rule  of 
the  rebels. 

"Patriots  of  East  Tennessee,  you  have  our  warmest  syinpa- 


92  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

thy,  and  our  highest  admiration  for  your  true  and  lasting  de 
votion  to  your  country.  Future  history  will  recount  your  suf 
ferings  and  praise  your  patriotism.  We  thank  you  for  your 
kind  reception,  and  believe  us  when  we  say  that  we  will  fight 
to  protect  you  and  your  homes  with  renewed  vigor.  Your  no 
ble  conduct  has  increased  our  determination  to  keep  the  proud 
stars  and  stripes  waving  over  your  homes." 

"TO  THE  FARMERS." 

The  farmers  living  in  this  vicinity  who  have  forage  or  pro 
visions  to  sell,  and  who  like  "greenbacks"  better  than  Confed 
erate  scrip,  can  readily  dispose  of  everything  in  that  line  to 
the  army  for  a  good  price. 

"Lieut.  Humphrey,  brigade  quarter-master,  attends  to  the 
buying  of  and  receipting  for  all  forage,  and  Lieut.  Davenport, 
brigade  commissary,  will  purchase  all  articles  in  the  provision 
line  and  receipt  for  the  same. 

"The  disbursing  officer  will  pay  all  receipts  given  by  the 
above  officers,  on  presentation  at  Knoxville.  Bring  in  your 
potatoes,  Hour,  meal,  bacon,  beef-cattle,  etc.,  and  get  your 
money." 

"OUR  TYPOS." 

"We  are  under  great  obligations  to  Serg.  Edwin  Butler,  of 
the  112th  Kegiment  Illinois  Infantry,  and  Serg.  F.  H.  Morse, 
Serg.  Charles  A.  WTing  and  Oscar  F.  Morse,  oj  the  8th  Mich. 
Cavalry,  for  their  valuable  assistance  in  issuing  this  paper." 

"Capt.  McCartney,  of  the  112th  Kegiment  Illinois  Mounted 
Infantry,  and  now  A.  A.  A.  Gr.  on  Col.  Byrd's  staff,  will  accept 
our  thanks  for  news  items  furnished  us  for  publication.  Fur 
ther  favors  will  be  acceptable." 


CHAPTER  X. 

OPENING  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN  IN  EAST  TENNESSEE. 
ADVANCE  AND  RETREAT. 

Upon  the  arrival  of  the  brigade  at  Athens,  Capt.  J.  E,  Wil- 
kins,  of  the  112th,  was  appointed  Provost  Marshal,  and  his 
company(I)  was  detailed  as  Provost  Guard ;  and  during  the 
campaign  in  East  Tennessee  the  company  was  on  duty  at 
headquarters  whenever  there  was  any  service  required  of  it 
there  ;  at  other  times  in  line  with  the  regiment.  Its  service 
consisted  principally  in  performing  guard  duty  at  headquar 
ters  ;  gathering  up  property— horses,  mules,  cattle  and  other 
army  supplies ;  guarding  forage  trains,  carrying  dispatches, 
and  performing  such  other  duties  as  the  brigade  commander 
required. 

On  the  llth  of  September,  companies  A  and  F,  in  command 
of  Capt.  Lee  and  Capt.  Wright,  respectively,  went  on  a  scout 
south,  crossed  the  Hiawassee  River,  and  proceeded  as  far  as 
Benton,  or  "Ducktown,"  where  they  remained  two  or  three 
days,  without  seeing  any  indications  of  an  enemy. 

On  the  12th,  Capt.  Dunn,  with  his  company  (D),  went  down 
to  the  Iron  Works  and  brought  in  some  civilian  prisoners, 
whom  Col.  Byrd  placed  under  bonds. 

Citizens  from  the  surrounding  country  came  to  Athens  by 
hundreds,  and  also  many  deserters  from  Bragg's  and  Buckner  s 


94  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

armies,  and  voluntarily  subscribed  to  the  oath  of  allegiance- 
anxious  to  resume  fealty  to  the  National  Government. 

Bragg's  rebel  army  was  at  Chickamauga,  confronted  and 
Icosely  watched  by  Gen.  Bosecrans.  Bragg  had  recently  been 
reinforced  by  Gen.  Jos.  E.  Johnston  with  thirty-thousand  men, 
and  it  was  suspected  that  other  reinforcements  were  on  the  way 
from  Virginia.  Whether  Bragg  intended  to  attack  and  crush 
Bosecrans,  with  his  whole  army,  and  then  pay  his  respects  to 
Burnside,  or  whether  he  would  first  attempt  to  recover  East 
Tennessee — the  granary  of  the  South— with  a  portion  of  his 
army,  holding  Bosecrans  at  bay  with  the  remainder,  and  then 
fall  upon  the  latter,  were  speculative  questions,  which  were  fre 
quently  discussed  around  our  camp-fires ;  but  not  until  some 
time  after  was  the  riddle  solved. 

On  the  15th  of  September  a  detachment,  consisting  of  Co.  B 
of  the  112th  Illinois, — Capt.  J.  C.  Dickerson, — Co.  K  of  the 
1st  East  Tennessee,  and  Co.  I  of  the  8th  Michigan  Cavalry  —  a 
total  of  one  hundred  and  thirty  men, — under  command  of 
Major  Edgerly  of  the  8th  Michigan,  was  ordered  to  Cleveland, 
the  county  seat  of  Bradley  county,  thirty  miles  below7  Athens, 
near  the  Georgia  line,  and  at  the  junction  of  the  Dalton.  and 
Chattanooga  branches  of  the  railroad.  Cleveland  was  the  gate 
way  betwreeii  Georgia  and  East  Tennessee,  through  which  the 
Confederate  army  must  pass  to  reach  Burnside's  army,  and 
this  detachment  was  sent  down  there  to  watch  the  movements 
of  the  enemy. 

The  detachment  arrived  at  Cleveland  at  midnight.  The 
people  were  wrapped  in  slumber ;  no  enemy  had  disputed  its 
entrance  into  the  town ;  and  after  sending  out  pickets,  the 
men  quietly  unsaddled  their  horses  and  bivouacked  in  the 
court  house  square. 

A  company  of  rebel  cavalry  had  been  there  the  day  before, 
and  the  citizens  charged  them  with  committing  many  depre 
dations,  of  which  they  bitterly  complained. 

Small  parties  of  rebel  cavalry  were  seen  on  the  hills  near 
town,  on  the  16th,  but  were  driven  away.  They  reappeared 
on  the  17th,  and  a  large  force  was  reported  to  be  approaching 
on  the  Dalton  road.  Part  of  another  company  of  the  8th 
Michigan  joined  the  detachment  in  the  evening,  increasing  its 


KILLED  AT  CLEVELAND.  95 

numbers  to  one   hundred  and  fifty-two   men ;  and  that  night 
the  men  slept  on  their  arms  in  anticipation  of  an  attack. 

At  day-break  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  Capt.  J.  C.  Dick- 
erson  and  twenty-five  men  of  Co.  B,  of  the  112th,  accompani 
ed  by  a  citizen  guide,  moved  out  on  the  Dalton  road  on  a  re- 
connoissance.  Lieut.  John  Gudgel  and  twenty  men  of  the 
same  company  took  the  Chattanooga  road.  The  two  teams 
that  accompanied  the  detachment  were  harnessed  and  hitched 
to  the  army  wagons,  and  every  man  had  his  horse  saddled 
ready  for  an  emergency.  Lieut.  B.  F.  Thompson,  of  the  same 
company — acting  as  adjutant,  quartermaster  and  commissary 
of  the  detachment — with  half  a  dozen  men  and  one  team,  start 
ed  for  a  cornfield  near  town,  to  gather  corn  for  the  horses  of 
the  detachment. 

Lieut.  Gudgel  had  hardly  passed  the  pickets  when  he  was 
furiously  assailed  by  a  superior  force  of  rebel  cavalry,  which 
was  advancing  rapidly  with  the  evident  intention  of  surprising 
the  little  force  in  town,  and  Lieut.  Gudgel  and  his  men  were 
compelled  to  fall  back  in  hot  haste,  but  not  without  giving  the 
rebels  some  fatal  shots.  Capt.  Dickerson,  hearing  the  firing, 
at  once  started  across  the  fields  to  Lieut.  Gudgel's  assistance. 
Pie  had  proceeded  but  a  short  distance  when  he  hefrd  picket 
firing  on  the  road  he  had  just  left,  and  he  immediately  retrac 
ed  his  steps  and  returned  to  the  Dalton  road.  In  the  mean 
time  a  rebel  cavalry  regiment  had  driven  in  the  pickets,  and 
its  advance  was  in  town  before  Capt.  Dickerson  reached  the 
road.  He  captured  their  ambulance  (an  old  Adams  Express 
wagon)  and  surgeon  and  rear  guard  of  fifteen  men,  and  then 
moved  down  to  the  forks  of  the  roads.  Here  he  halted  and 
sent  three  men  down  the  Dalton  road,  who  returned  in  a  few 
minutes  and  reported  the  near  approacu  of  another  rebel  force 
of  about  four  hundred  men.  Capt.  Dickerson  exclaimed, 
"We'll  give  them  a  fight,  anyhow.  Forward!"  And  they 
rushed  upon  the  rebels  at  full  gallop.  The  enemy  quickly  dis 
mounted  and  took  position  in  the  edge  of  some  small  timber, 
leaving  Capt.  Dickerson  no  alternative  but  to  take  position  in 
an  open  field,  where  he  formed  his  men  in  skirmish  line  about 
thirty  feet  apart — his  prisoners  and  guard  in  rear — and  imme 
diately  opened  fire  upon  them.  Capt.  Dickerson  rode  forward 


96  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

and,  sitting  on  his  horse,  emptied  two  revolvers  into  the  rebel 
ranks.  He  then  attempted  to  dismount,  and  while  doing  so, 
while  *his  left  foot  was  yet  in  the  stirrup,  he  was  struck  by  a 
musket  ball  in  the  left  side  of  the  abdomen.  At  the  same 
time  his  horse  jumped  quickly  to  one  side,  and  he  was  thrown 
to  the  ground.  He  attempted  to  arise,  and  one  of  his  men, 
notjjknowing  he  was  wounded,  offered  him  his  horse.  Capt. 
Pickerson  replied:  "lam  shot,  boys,  give  them  h — 11,"  and 
gasped  in  death.  His  men,  left  without  a  leader,  retreated, 
and  started  down  the  lane  toward  town.  They  were  closely 
followed  by  the  rebels,  and  were  soon  headed  off  by  another 
force  coming  out  of  town  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  firing  in 
their  rear.  The  boys  finding  themselves  surrounded,  abandon 
ed  their  horses  and  took  refuge  in  a  deep  ditch  beside  the  road, 
where  they  kept  up  a  rapid  fire  in  front  and  rear,  until  they 
were  compelled  to  surrender.  One  man,  Clark  M.  Sturtevant, 
escaped.  His  horse  was  killed;  he  concealed  himself,  arid  af 
ter  the  rebels  passed,  took  to  the  hills,  and  after  a  few  days 
tramp  came  into  the  Union  lines  at  Athens.  All  the  others 
were  taken  into  Cleveland  and  thence  marched  to  Dalton— 
prisoners  of  war. 

In  less  than  ten  minutes  after  the  first  shot  was  fired,  the 
rebel  cavalry  were  swarming  into  town  on  every  road  except 
that  leading  to  Charleston  toward  Athens.  For  a  few  minutes 
all  was  confusion,  but  the  men  quickly  rallied,  and  their  well- 
directed  shots  checked  the  rebel  advance.  The  books  and  pa 
pers  of  the  several  companies  were  thrown  into  a  wagon,  and 
the  team  started  up  the  road  on  a  run  ;  but  it  was  afterwards 
captured  by  the  enemy.  The  other  wagon  and  team  weie 
saved. 

Lieut.  Gudgel  attempted  to  form  his  men  in  line  at  the  out 
skirts  of  the  town,  but  the  enemy  was  in  too  great  force,  and 
his  men  had  hardly  halted  before  the  rebels  were  far  in  his 
rear  on  other  streets,  and  he  was  compelled  to  fall  back  rapid 
ly  to  escape  being  captured. 

F.  Louis  Heinke  ("Siegel")  was  the  only  man  with  Lieut. 
Gudgel  who  was  wounded.  He  was  in  the  act  of  firing  his  gun 
when  a  rebel  bullet  passed  between  his  elbow  and  side,  mak 
ing  two  wounds  in  its  course,  but  neither  very  serious. 


CAPTURED.  97 

The  detachment  fell  back,  fighting  all  the  way,  to  Calhoun, 
011  the  north  hank  of  the  Hiawassee  Eiver — eleven  miles  from 
Cleveland. 

As  the  command  was  retreating  up  the  road,  closely  pursu 
ed  by  the  enemy,  a  window  in  the  second  story  of  a  large  farm 
house,  not  far  from  Cleveland,  situated  a  little  distance  from 
the  road,  and  nearly  opposite  the  detachment,  was  opened,  and 
some  one,  probably  a  citizen,  opened  fire  from  the  window  up 
on  'the  Union  force.  The  men  had  no  time  to  attend  to  his 
case  then,  but  they  vowed  that  if  they  ever  returned  there,  one 
rebel  mansion  would  be  reduced  to  ashes — a  threat  which,  the 
author  has  been  informed,  was  afterwards  executed  by  some  of 
the  Union  Temlesseans. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  112th  men,  all  of  Co.  B, 
who  were  captured :  Corporals  Abram  Deyo,  Edward  T.  Eiley, 
Hiram  P.  Mallory  and  Orlin  Bevier ;  George  A.  Brown, 
Charles  N.  Crook,  Isaac  N.  Dalrymple  (wounded),  John  P. 
Freeman,  William  D.  Freeman,  Washington  Garside,  Newton 
J.  Green,  Edwin  Holmes  (severely  wounded),  William  H.  John 
son,  Francis  J.  Liggett,  Charles  Leighton,  George  Ludlum,  Hor 
ace  Morrison,  Orman  M.  Miller,  Lewis  Osborn,  Samuel  lied- 
cling,  Dennis  Spellman,  Henry  Stacy,  Cyrus  Sturm  and  John 
Wallace. 

Morrison  was  not  with  Capt.  Dickerson,  but  was  captured 
on  the  retreat  to\vards  Calhoun. 

Of  the  above  number  Abram  Deyo  and  Orlin  Bevier  succum- 
ed  to  the  horrors  of  Andersonville  and  died  in  prison  in  the 
summer  of  1864.  George  Ludlum  died  on  his  way  home,  after 
having  been  exchanged.  W.  D.  Freeman,  F.  J.  Liggett  and 
Henry  Stacy  escaped  from  Andersonville  in  May,  1884.  Sta 
cy  was  recaptured,  but  Freeman  and  Liggett,  after  suffering 
untold  hunger  and  fatigue,  and  many  hair-breadth  escapes 
from  recapture,  made  their  way  into  the  lines  of  Sherman's 
army  in  Georgia,  in  June,  1864,  most  miserable,  forlorn  look 
ing  obJ3  -Vs— nearly  naked  and  starved. 

The  rebel  loss  at  Cleveland  was  thirty  killed  and  wounded. 
Their  force  numbered  one  thousand  cavalry  and  two  pieces  of 
artillery. 

—7 


98  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Capt.  Dickerson  was  the  first  officer  of  the  112th  killed.  He 
met  his  death  just  a  year  to  a  day,  and  at  the  same  hour  of 
the  day,  from  the  time  he  left  Bradford  with  his  company  for 
the  rendezvous  in  Peoria.  He  was  deservedly  popular  among 
the  officers  and  men  of  the  regiment,  and  from  Col.  Hender 
son  down  was  sincerely  mourned  by  all. 

He  was  a  brave,  daring  leader,  an  honorable  and  conscien 
tious  officer,  and  a  generous,  noble-hearted  man.  In  a  con 
versation  with  the  author  upon  the  chances  of  war,  but  a  short 
time  before  his  death,  he  declared  lie  would  never  surrender 
to  a  rebel ;  that  he  would  fight  to  the  death  rather  than  be 
captured  ;  and  in  this,  as  in  all  things  else,  he  kept  his  word. 
By  order  of  Gen.  Burnside  a  fort  in  Knoxville  was  named  "Fort 
Dickerson,"  in  honor  of  his  brave  death.  He  was  buried  in 
the  cemetery  at  Cleveland,  and  after  the  war  a  fitting  monu 
ment  was  erected  to  his  memory  by  his  widow. 

Lieut.  Gudgel  was  promoted  to  Captain  of  Co.  B,  and  Sec 
ond  Lieut.  B.  F.  Thompson  to  First  Lieutenant :  but  the  com 
pany  having  been  reduced  below  the  minimum  number  requir 
ed  by  law,  no  second  lieutenant  was  appointed. 

Bragg  was  reinforced  in  the  night  of  Sept.  18th,  by  Gen. 
Long-street,  with  part  of  the  Army  of  Virginia,  and  lie  deter 
mined  to  attack  and  annihilate  Eosecrans  before  Burnside 
could  arrive  within  supporting  distance  ;  and  the  object  of  the 
rebel  cavalry  force  was  probably  to  develop  Burnside's  posi 
tion,  and  protect  the  flank  of  Bragg's  army. 

Col.  Henderson,  with  the  112tli  Illinois  and  a  section  of  ar 
tillery,  was  sent  from  Athens  to  reinforce  the  detachment  un 
der  Major  Edgerly  on  the  Hiawassee,  and  arrived  at  the  river 
about  noon  on  the  18th.  At  8  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  com 
mand  fell  back  seven  miles,  to  Eiceville,  to  prevent  being 
Hanked,  and  remained  there  until  the  evening  of  the  19th. 

On  the  merning  of  Sept.  19th  Bragg  attacked  the  Union  ar 
my  at  Chickamauga  with  terrible  force.  All  day  long  the  bat 
tle  raged  with  dreadful  fury,  until  night  put  a  stop  to  the 
struggle,  and  the  soldiers  of  both  armies  rested  upon  their 
arms.  From  our  position  at  Eiceville,  we  could  distinctly 
hear  the  roar  of  the  artillery,  and  we  knew  the  giants  were  en 
gaged  in  a  death  struggle.  The  next  morning  the  battle  was 


SKIRMISHING.  99 

renewed,  Rosecrans  was  defeated  and  his  army  driven  into 
Chattanooga,  with  a  loss  of  seventeen  thousand  men  ;  and  had 
it  not  been  for  the  brave,  heroic  Thomas,  the  grand  Army  of 
the  Cumberland  would,  indeed,  have  been  overwhelmed  and 
destroyed. 

In  the  evening  of  the  19th  Col.  Henderson  fell  back,  with 
his  command,  to  Athens.  At  10  o'clock  in  the  evening,  on  the 
'20th,  the  Union  pickets  were  driven  in  on  the  road  at  Athens, 
and  the  112th,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery,  moved  down  to 
town  to  repel  an  attack,  and  remained  on  guard  until  daylight. 
Two  companies  were  sent  out  on  a  reconnoissance,  but  return 
ed  without  finding  the  enemy. 

Horses  were  saddled  early  on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  in  an 
ticipation  of  an  order  to  move  ;  but  the  command  did  not  move 
until  5  o'clock  in  the  evening.  ^  Co.  A,  of  the  112th,  in  com 
mand  of  Capt.  Lee,  was  assigned  to  duty  in  town,  and  the  bri 
gade  returned  to  Calhoun,  arriving  there  late  that  night. 

The  rebel  force,  having  evidently  accomplished  the  object  of 
the  reconnoissance,  had  fallen  back.  On  the  22nd,  two  com 
panies  proceeded  south  nearly  to  Cleveland  without  finding 
the  enemy. 

The  command  was  ordered  to  saddle  up  at  4  o'clock,  on  the 
morning  of  the  23d,  and  be  prepared  Jor  an  attack.  Co.  E, 
in  command  of  Capt.  Otnian,  was  ordered  to  reconnoiter  on 
the  Cleveland  road,  and  Capt.  Wright,  with  Co.  F,  on  the  Dai- 
ton  road.  Both  met  the  enemy  about  five  miles  from  the  riv 
er,  and  fell  back  slowly,  skirmishing  all  the  way.  They  report 
ed  that  large  bodies  of  troops  could  be  seen  on  the  hills  beyond 
Cleveland. 

This,  as  we  afterwards  learned,  was  the  advance  of  Forrest 
and  Wheeler. 

Capt.  E.  H.  Colcord  was  directed  to  proceed  with  his  com 
pany  (K  )  to  Cottonwood  Ford  some  miles  down  the  river,  to  pre 
vent  the  rebels  from  throwing  over  detachments  and  gaining 
possession  of  the  road  in  rear  of  our  position  at  Calhoun,  and 
he  remained  there  until  the  evening  of  the  24th,  when  he  was 
relieved. 

Reveille  at  3  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  24th — played 
three  times  by  the  112th  band,— once  by  the  full  band,  once 


100  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

as  a  martial  band,  and  again  on  the  bugle — to  deceive  the  en 
emy  as  to  the  number  of  Union  regiments. 

At  daylight,  Companies  A,  F  and  D,  (A  having  rejoined  the 
regiment),  under  the  command  of  Major  Dow,  crossed  the  riv 
er  again  and  succeeded  in  finding  the  enemy.  They  were 
driven  back  rapidly  by  an  overwhelming  force.  Col.  Hender 
son  moved  the  regiment  down  to  the  river  bank  to  protect  the 
companies  in  crossing ;  but  the  rebels  withdrew  when  near  the 
river,  and  did  not  press  the  detachment. 

Horses  were  saddled  at  3  :30  on  the  morning  of  the  25th. 
At  daylight,  Companies  C  and  K,  of  the  112th,  in  command  of 
Capt.  J.  B.  Mitchell  and  Capt.  Colcord,  respectively,  crossed 
the  river  and  proceeded  south  to  the  junction  of  the  Daltou 
and  Cleveland  roads.  Here  they  met  the  enemy  in  force,  and 
at  once  opened  fire  on  them.  Severe  skirmishing  ensued,  and 
the  rebels  attempted  to  flank  the  two  cjmpanies  and  cut  them 
off,  but  without  success.  After  holding  theenerny  as  long  as  it 
was  deemed  safe,  the  detachment  retired — the  rebels  still 
threatening  their  flanks — and  recrossed  the  river. 

In  the  afternoon  Col.  Henderson  crossed  the  river  with  the 
regiment,  and  reconnoitered  toward  Cleveland,  but  without 
material  results  beyond  slight  skirmishing.  The  enemy  evi 
dently  was  not  yet  prepared  to  press  an  advance,  and  the  reg 
iment  returned  to  the  north  side  of  the  river.  The  next  morn 
ing  (26th)  the  horses  of  the  brigade  were  saddled  at  3  :30  and 
everything  put  in  readiness  to  move  at  a  moments  notice.  At 
daylight  a  large  reconnoitering  party  was  sent  over  the  river, 
and  it  had  not  proceeded  far  before  it  met  the  enemy  advanc 
ing  in  force.  Severe  skirmishing  commenced  at  once,  and  the 
detachment  was  driven  back  slowly  to  the  main  body. 

Companies  E  and  D,  in  command  of  Capt.  Otman  and  Lieut. 
Griffin,  were  ordered  to  guard  the  ford  just  above  the  towns, 
and  moved  down  to  the  river  and  went  into  position, — Co.  D 
occupying  some  old  rifle  pits. 

The  position  was  a  bad  one  for  defense,  as  on  the  north 
side  of  the  river  was  a  wide  stretch  of  bottom  land,  and  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river  was  a  range  of  hills  or  bluffs  which 
gave  the  enemy  a  commanding  position.  About  noon  the  en 
emy  appeared  in  sight,  and  under  fire  of  the  Union  artillery, 


FORWARD  AND  BACK.  101 

planted  their  batteries  on  the  range  of  hills,  but  a  few  hundred 
yards  in  front  of  Capt.  Otman's  position,  and  at  once  opened 
fire.  Col.  Henderson  moved  the  regiment,  dismounted,  to  the 
support  of  Companies  E  and  D,  leaving  the  horses  in  a  strip 
of  timber  in  the  rear. 

He  was  directed  to  hold  the  ford  and  prevent  the  enemy 
ffrom  crossing,  and  succeeded  in  doing  so  until  about  2  o'clock, 
when  it  was  found  that  the  enemy  was  crossing  above  and  be 
low,  to  flank  the  command,  and  the  brigade  was  ordered  to 
all  back.  Without  waiting  for  the  112th  to  rejoin  the  com 
mand,  the  rest  of  the  brigade  moved  up  the  road  toward  Ath 
ens,  leaving  Col.  Henderson  and  his  regiment  to  fall  back  ov 
er  the  bottom  land  to  the  horses  as  best  they  could.  As  soon 
as  the  retrograde  movement  commenced  the  rebels  came  swarm 
ing  over  the  river,  and  their  artillery  opened  a  rapid  tire  upon 
the  retreating  Union  troops.  It  seems  almost  miraculous  that 
the  112th  escaped  without  great  loss,  but  only  one  man,  Irvin 
Oxberger  of  Co.  B,  was  hit,  and  he  was  only  slightly  wounded 
by  a  piece  of  shell. 

The  command  fell  back  rapidly  through  Kiceville  to  Athens, 
the  112th  Illinois  bringing  up  the  rear  and  holding  the  enemy 
in  check.  The  rebel  cavalry  force  was  armed  with  short-range 
carbines,  and  the  112th  could  reach  them,  with  its  long-range 
Enfields,  before  they  could  get  near  enough  to  return  the  fire. 
When  near  Athens  the  brigade  was  met  by  Col.  Wolford  with 
his  brigade,  but  even  then  the  rebel  force  greatly  outnumbered 
the  Union  troops,  and  as  there  was  danger  of  being  cut  off, 
the  retreat  was  continued.  Just  below  Athens  the  rebel  ad 
vance  made  a  dash  upon  the  112th,  still  rear  guard,  but  they 
met  such  a  galling  fire  from  the  Enfields  and  Law's  Howitzer 
Battery,  that  they  were  glad  to  place  themselves  out  of  range 
as  quickly  as  possible.  Col.  Henderson  and  his  regiment  were 
highly  complimented  in  general  orders  for  their  gallant  con 
duct  on  this  occasion.  Lieut.  C.  W.  Brown  with  his  company 
(E),  by  direction  of  Col.  Byrd,  and  without  the  knowledge  of 
Col.  Henderson,  made  a  detour  on  another  road  and  arrived 
at  Athens  late  in  the  evening.  It  was  thought  the  company 
had  been  captured  when  it  was  reported  that  "E  was  missing," 
but  Lieut,  Brown  brought  it  safely  in. 


102  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

The  Union  command  marched  all  night,  reached  Sweetwa- 
ter  the  next  morning  ('27th)  at  5  o'clock,  and  thence  fell  back 
to  Philadelphia,  arriving  there  at  noon,  where  a  halt  was  call 
ed  and  preparations  made  for  a  fight.  The  ll'2th  Illinois 
formed  in  line  of  battle  at  the  front,  and  remained  in  position, 
in  readiness  to  repel  an  attack,  all  night. 

The  rebel  advance  attacked  the  Union  pickets  at  noon,  on 
the  '28th,  but  were  repulsed ;  and  a  detachment  of  cavalry  and 
Law's  battery  drove  them  back  upon  their  main  force.  They 
again  advanced,  and  information  having  been  received  that 
they  were  pressing  forward  on  another  road,  towards  London, 
011  the  Tennessee  lliver,  the  Union  command  fell  back  to  that 
point,  and  the  112th  again  lay  in  line  of  battle  all  night.  Here 
reinforcements  were  met,  including  Gen.  White's  division  of 
infantry,  and  the  Union  force  was  now  strong  enough  to  cope 
with  the  rebel  cavalry.  On  the  '29th  the  ll'2th  obtained  some 
fresh  horses,  to  replace  those  worn  out  and  broken  down. 
Companies  A  and  F,  of  the  ll'2th,  scouted  towards  Philadel 
phia,  but  saw  nothing  of  the  enemy. 

In  the  afternoon  scouting  parties  reported  the  rebel  forces 
falling  back.  But  in  fact,  as  it  was  afterwards  known,  after 
driving  the  Union  advance  back  to  London,  Forrest,  with  a 
force  of  twelve  thousand  cavalry,  crossed  the  Tennessee  Paver 
into  the  Sequatchie  Valley,  in  rear  of  Kosecrans'  army,  for 
the  purpose  of  destroying  his  line  of  communications. 

At  7  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  30th,  Byrd's  brigade 
marched  from  London,  the  112th,  in  command  of  Col.  Hender 
son,  in  advance,  left  in  front,  followed  by  Wolf ord's  brigade, 
and  moved  on  a  double-quick  to  Philadelphia — trotting  their 
horses  the  whole  distance — and  there  formed  in  line  of  battle. 
The  roads  were  dry  and  very  dusty,  and  the  men  were  nearly 
suffocated.  The  main  force  of  rebels  was  on  the  road  east 
and  nearly  parallel  with  the  railroad.  Lieut.  Col.  Adams  was 
at  Sweetwater,  with  the  1st  Kentucky  Cavalry,  and  was  in 
great  danger  of  being  cut  off  and  captured.  Lieut.  Thompson, 
of  Co.  B,  112th  Illinois,  was  ordered  to  take  twenty-five  men, 
with  the  best  horses,  and  proceed  as  rapidly  as  possible  to 
8weetwater,  twelve  miles,  with  verbal  orders  from  Col.  Wol- 
forclto  Lieut.  Col.  Adams.  He  was  instructed  not  to  spare 


TOWARD  ATHENS.  103 

horse-flesh,  and  if  fired  into  by  the  rebels  to  pay  no  attention 
to  them,  but  keep  going,  and  not  halt,  even  if  some  of  his  men 
were  wounded  or  killed.  They  made  the  trip  successfully,— 
receiving  a  few  stray  shots  from  a  squad  of  rebels  on  their  left, 
in  a  corn-field,  as  they  galloped- down  the  road, — and  returned 
in  the  evening  with  Lieut.  Col.  Adams  and  his  command. 

Early  the  next  morning  (Oct.  1st)  the  whole  force  moved 
toward  Athens — companies  E,  (I  and  B,  of  the  112th  Illinois 
rear  guard, — and  marched  in  a  pouring  rain,  to  Mouse  Creek, 
four  miles  below  Sweetwater,  and  bivouacked  ;  and  the  next 
day  (Oct.  2nd)  marched  to  Athens, — the  112th  in  advance- 
arriving  there  at  noon — where  the  regiment  occupied  its  old 
camping  ground  on  Forest  Hill. 

Let  us  now  go  back  to  the  Hiawassee  Ittver,  on  the  20th  of 
September.  When  the  112th  Illinois  fell  back  from  the  river 
to  the  timber  where  the  horses  were  left,  Capt.  Otman  and 
George  W.  Nicholas,  of  Co.  E,  found  that  their  horses,  fright 
ened  by  the  exploding  shells,  had  broken  away  and  were  out  of 
sight.  While  searching  for  them  the  regiment  had  mounted 
and  was  moving  up  the  valley,  and  the  enemy  coming  up  rap 
idly,  there  was  no  alternative  for  the  two  dismounted  men  but 
to  take  a  ridge  of  timber  that  ran  parallel  with  the  road  tow 
ard  Athens,  and  conceal  themselves  from  the  enemy  as  best 
they  could.  In  the  hurry  of  mounting  and  getting  out  of  the 
timber — the  enemy's  shells  hastening  their  movements — neith 
er  the  men  of  Co.  E,  nor  of  the  regiment,  had  been  informed 
of  the  predicament  which  Capt.  Otman  and  Nicholas  were  in, 
and  when  they  were  afterwards  missed  it  was  supposed  they 
had  been  captured — perhaps  wounded  or  killed. 

They  followed  up  the  ridge  all  that  day,  in  sight  of  the  rebel 
force  in  the  road,  less  than  a  mile  from  them.  The  two  men 
were  determined,  if  possible,  to  make  their  way  to  Athens, 
where  they  knew  Col.  Wolford  lay  with  a  brigade  of  cavalry, 
and  where  they  supposed  a  stand  would  be  made  by  the  Union 
troops. 

About  10  o'clock  that  night  they  sawr  a  light  on  a  cross  road, 
in  the  valley  below  them.  After  carefully  reconnoitering,  they 
found  it  to  be  a  cabin,  with  no  occupants  but  a  woman  ;  and  be 
ing  pressed  with  hunger  (having  had  nothing  to  eat  since  four 


104  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

o'clock  that  morning)  they  determined  to  enter  and  get  some 
thing  to  eat.  They  went  in  and  made  their  wants  known, 
when  the  woman  stated  that  she  was  very  sorry  she  had  noth 
ing  for  them,  as  all  she  had  in  the  house  was  some  pumpkins 
she  was  stewing  in  a  kettle,  in  a  rude  fire  place,  and  a  small 
piece  of  bacon  ;  that  all  the  rest  of  her  provisions  had  been 
taken  by  a  party  of  rebels  early  in  the  evening.  Some  of  the 
bacon  was  fried,  and,  with  the  stewed  pumpkin,  a  supper  was 
made  that  was  keenly  relished. 

While  they  were  eating,  a  man,  clothed  in  the  gray  rebel 
uniform,  opened  the  door  without  knocking,  and  entered  the 
cabin.  Both  sprang  from  the  table,  at  the  same  time  pulling 
their  revolvers,  when  the  intruder  threw  up  his  hands,  said  he 
was  unarmed,  and  that  was  his  home,  and  that  he  had  desert 
ed  from  the  Confederate  army,  and  was  then  hiding  from  the 
rebel  forces.  After  supper  he  guided  them  in  the  direction  of 
Athens,  and  left  them  about  11  o'clock,  when  the  moon  was 
up  so  they  could  see  their  way.  They  continued  on  their  way 
until  about  two  o'clock,  when  they  came  to  a  field  in  which 
was  a  stack  of  sheaves  of  corn  blades,  in  which  they  made  a 
bed  and  slept  until  the  sun  was  high  in  the  heavens  the  next 
morning.  Ihey  continued  on  towards  Athens  during  the  day, 
avoiding  houses  and  roads,  until  near  sunset,  when  they  met 
a  negro  woman  on  horseback  whom  the  Captain  halted  and 
inquired  the  direction  and  distance  to  Athens.  The  woman 
threw  up  her  hands  and  exclaimed,  "Good  Lord,  massa,  don't 
'  you  know  the  country  is  full  of  rebels  ?"  She  informed  them 
that  they  were  within  two  miles  of  Athens,  and  that  Forrest's 
cavalry  were  in  camp  right  ahead  of  them,  not  mora  than  half 
a  mile  away.  She  pointed  out  the  house  of  a  Union  family  in 
the  distance  and  rode  away,  very  much  frightened  for  fear 
some  of  Forrest's  men  would  see  her  talking  with  them. 

They  then  left  the 'road  and  crossed  a  small  field,  in  the 
center  of  which  was  a  stack  of  straw,  and  entered  a  strip  of 
timber.  In  passing  through  the  timber  the  rebal  camp. was 
in  sight,  and  the  house  in  which  Gren.  Forrest  made  his  head 
quarters  was  not  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  away.  They 
then  struck  off  to  the  left  in  the  timber,  and  came  upon  about 
twenty  negroes,  men,  women  and  children,  hiding  from  the  re- 


HID  IN  A  STRAW  STACK.  105 

bels,  with  several  fine  horses  belonging  to  their  master,  who 
lived  at  the  house  where  Forrest  was  stopping.  Capt.  Otman 
and  Nicholas  were  very  hungry,  and  prevailed  on  an  old  ne 
gro  to  get  them  something  to  eat.  He  returned  about  ten 
o'clock  that  night  with  warm  biscuit,  fried  ham  and  two  quarts 
of  new  milk,  on  which  the  hungry  men  feasted.  With  many 
thanks,  they  bade  "Uncle  George"  (the  old  negro)  good  night, 
and  started  for  the  straw-stack  in  the  little  field,  and,  with  the 
aid  of  a  pole,  climbed  to  the  top  and  made  a  bed  in  which  they 
lay  down,  pulling  a  slight  covering  of  straw  over  them. 
In  a  few  minutes  after  a  reserve  picket  post  of  rebels  was  es 
tablished  in  the  road  a  few  rods  away,  and  some  of  the  soldiers 
came  to  the  stack  and  got  straw  to  lie  on.  In  the  morning 
they  could  see  the  pickets  and  hear  their  conversation,  and 
they  passed  two  days  listening  to  them  and  watching  their 
movements.  After  dark  one  night,  they  left  their  hiding  place, 
went  cautiously  to  the  timber,  followed  the  ridge,  and  went 
to  the  house  pointed  out  to  them  by  the  negro  woman 
as  being  occupied  by  a  Union  family ;  but  failed  to  get  in,  or 
arouse  the  family,  all  being  dark  and  apparently  deserted. 
They  returned,  and  on  their  way  back  found  a  persimmon  tree 
and  got  half  a  dozen  ripe  persimmons,  which  constituted  their 
only  meal  on  that  day,  and  crawled  carefully  into  the  straw- 
pile  for  another  night. 

During  the  next  day  the  pickets  were  withdrawn,  and  they 
knew  the  Confederate  forces  were  moving,  but  in  what  direc 
tion  it  was  impossible  to  tell.  After  dark  they  left  their  place 
of  concealment  and  proceeded  again  to  the  house  of  the  Union 
family,  where  there  was  a  bright  light  in  the  rooms,  but  the 
windows  being  covered  with  curtains  they  could  see  no  one  in 
side.  They  went  to  the  front  door  and  knocked,  but  could  get 
no  answer.  They  then  called  several  times,  without  any  re 
ply.  After  persistently  calling  for  some  time,  and  informing 
those  inside  who  they  were,  and  that  they  were  nearly  famish 
ed  with  hunger,  a  woman's  voice  replied  that  they  could  not 
deceive  her,  that  they  were  Forrest's  men,  and  that  some  of 
his  men  had  already  been  there  and  robbed  her  of  nearly  every 
thing  she  had.  She  was  finally  persuaded  to  open  the  door, 
and  when  she  saw  the  blue  uniform  hesitated  not  to  invite  them 


100  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

in.  She  informed  them  that  Forrest  had  moved  south  with 
his  main  force  ;  hut  that  two  hundred  cavalry  had  passed  011 
that  road,  .going  out  twelve  miles  to  some  iron  works,  and  had 
not  yet  returned.  Her  husband  was  a  soldier  in  Col.  Stoke's 
regiment — 3d  Tennessee.  After  a  conversation  of  an  hour, 
which  seemed  to  the  hungry  men  an  age,  a  negro  woman  an 
nounced  supper,  and  they  sat  down  to  a  meal  which  seemed  to 
them  the  best  they  had  ever  eaten.  After  supper  they  return 
ed  to  the  straw-stack,  in  which  they  passed  the  night.  The 
next  morning  it  was  raining,  which  continued  all  day,  and  they 
moved  their  quarters  to  a  barn  on  the  place  where  Forrest  had 
made  his  headquarters,  and  again  applied  to  "Uncle  George" 
for  subsistence,  which  was  willingly  supplied.  The  next  morn 
ing  the  sun  came  out  clear  and  bright,  and  they  made  their 
way  through  the  timber  in  the  direction  of  Athens. 

Beaching  a  high  point  near  and  overlooking  the  town,  where 
they  could  see  any  movements  made  by  troops,  they  halted  to 
take  observations.  About  noon  they  saw  a  mounted  force 
emerge  from  a  pine  grove,  on  the  opposite  side  of  town,  and 
move  toward  the  town,  but  the  distance  was  too  great  to  tell 
whether  they  were  Union  or  rebel  troops.  Presently  they 
heard  familiar  strains  of  music,  which  they  at  once  recognized 
as  a  favorite  piece  often  played  by  the  112th  band.  They  lis 
tened.  That  music  was  by  the  112th  band,  sure,  and  that 
mounted  regiment  in  advance  was  the  good  old  112th.  With 
a  bound  and  a  cheer  they  ran  down  the  hill,  throwing  their 
hats  in  the  air  and  shouting  like  two  glad  school-boys  ;  and 
entering  town  met  Col.  Henderson  and  other  officers  of  the 
regiment,  who  were  as  greatly  surprised  at  meeting  them  as 
they  would  have  been  had  Forrest  and  his  staff  suddenly  ap 
peared  before  them.  The  112th  was  just  entering  Athens  on 
the  return  from  London. 

Co.  I,  in  command  of  Capt.  J.  E.  Wilkins,  was  station 
ed  in  rear  of  the  Union  line  at  Calhoun,  on  the  26th  of  Sep- 
tamber,  acting  as  Provost  Guar.ls.  Early  in  the  day  Capt. 
Wilkins  was  ordered  to  proceed  with  his  company  to  Cotton- 
wood,  down  the  river,  to  watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy 
in  that  direction,  and  report  any  attempt  of  the  rebels  to  flank 
the  Union  force.  He  proceeded  rapidly,  but  before  he  had  reach- 


THE  CAPTURED  AT  ATHENS.  107 

ed  the  ford  the  Union  troops  had  fallen  back  from  Charleston, 
and  he  was  directed  to  rejoin  his  regiment,  as  soon  as  possi 
ble,  at  or  near  Athens.  He  at  once  turned  back  and  proceed 
ed  by  a  rough,  unfrequented  road  toward  Pdceville.  In  de 
scending  a  steep  hill,  Sergt.  C.  B.  Hunt's  horse  stumbled  and 
fell,  and  he  was  thrown  to  the  ground  with  such  force  that  his 
left  shoulder  was  dislocated  and  the  elbow  fractured.  He  was 
picked  up  by  George  B.  llamsey,  Alanson  1).  Thomas  and  Jo 
seph  Mitchell,  and  calling  Sergt.  Fones,  who  had  had  some 
experience  as  a  physician,  they  reduced  the  dislocation  and 
fracture  as  well  as  possible,  bound  up  his  wound,  and  started 
to  overtake  the  company.  They  had  not  proceeded  far  when 
they  found  themselves  completely  surrounded  by  rebels,  front, 
rear  and  both  Hanks,  and  uncomfortably  near  to  them  ;  but 
they  were  so  thickly  covered  with  dust  as  to  conceal  the  color 
of  their  uniforms,  and  managed  to  hide  themselves  in  the  thick 
underbrush  without  it  being  discovered  that  they  were  Union 
soldiers.  After  the  rebel  troops  had  passed  they  proceeded  by 
a  circuitous  route  to  Athens,  where  they  arrived  in  advance  of 
the  rebel  force,  and  Berg.  Hunt  was  taken  to  the  hospital  and 
the  others  rejoined  the  regiment. 

When  the  Union  troops  retired  from  Athens  Dr.  C.  l)e  Hav 
en  Jones,  First  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  112th,  remained 
in  charge  of  the  hospital :  and  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  all 
the  sick  were  made  prisoners  of  war,  and  rebel  soldiers  placed 
on  guard,  and  a  Confederate  surgeon  superceded  Dr.  Jones. 

Among  the  prisoners  were  the  following  members  of  the  112th 
Illinois  :  William  Benson,  Lewis  Stagner  and  Henry  J.  Mc- 
Gath,  of  Co.  A ;  Serg.  Cephas  B.  Hunt,  Henry  M.  Phillips 
and  Daniel  Pv.  Pdggs,  of  Co.  1 ;  Serg.  Carey  G.  Colburn,  Corp. 
William  W.  McMillan*  and  Whitfield  Evans,*  of  Co.  E  ;  and 
Peter  J.  Olson*,  of  Co.  K ;  and  John  Shattuck,  of  Co.  I,  who 
was  with  Capt.  Wilkins  and  had  been  severely  wounded  and 
taken  to  the  hospital. 

Serg.  Edwin  Butler,  of  Co.  F,  who  had  been  detailed  for  du 
ty  in  the  printing  office,  was  also  captured  ;  and  Daniel  Kane, 
of  Co.  B,  who  had  been  reported  "missing,"  when  the  com- 

*Died  in  rebel  prison. 


108  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

mand  fell  back  from  Calhoun,  it  was  afterward  learned  had 
been  captured. 

The  rebel  surgeon  examined  Serg.  Hunt's  injuries,  and 
gravely  informed  him  that  the  arm  must  be  amputated  in  or 
der  to  save  his  life.  Hunt  knew  better,  and  protested  against 
the  barbarous  designs  of  the  Confederate  butcher ;  but  the  lat 
ter  protested  that  it  was  necessary,  and  commenced  preparing 
for  the  amputation.  Hunt  appealed  to  Dr.  Jones,  and  the  two 
surgeons  were  soon  engaged  in  a  lively  quarrel ;  but  Jones  tri 
umphed  and  the  arm  was  saved. 

The  rebel  surgeons  were  quick  to  amputate  an  arm  or  leg  of 
Union  prisoners  upon  the  slightest  pretext ;  and  many  a  poor 
boy  lost  a  limb  for  no  earthly  reason  but  to  kill  or  cripple  him, 
so  he  could  perform  no  further  service  in  the  Union  army.  If 
that  failed  they  were  sent  to  Andersonville  to  be  starved  to 
death.  Dr.  Jones  saved  Hunt's  arm,  and  he  also  saved  him 
from  a  worse  fate,  as  we  shall  presently  see. 

The  sick  men  were  kept  there  several  days,  with  nothing  to 
eat  except  what  the  loyal,  kind-hearted  women  of  Athens 
brought  to  them  ;  and  then  all  who  were  able  to  move  were  or 
dered  to  prepare  to  start  south.  Stagner  of  A,  and  Biggs  and 
Phillips  of  I,  were  excused ;  but  though  Hunt'was  unfit  to  be 
moved,  the  rebel  surgeon  was  determined  that  he  should  go. 
He  was  marched  out  with  the  others,  but  managed  to  get  back 
into  the  hospital  unobserved,  and  concealed  himself  in  a  pile 
of  blankets.  The  men  moved  off,  many  weeping  like  children, 
and  were  sent  south — many  of  them  to  die.  One  of  them, 
however,  William  Benson  of  Co.  A,  escaped  and  rejoined  his 
company  at  Athens  on  the  5th  of  October. 

He  attempted  to  escape  at  Dalton,  but  was  unsuccessful. 
But,  about  3  o'clock  the  next  morning  after  the  train  had  left 
Dalton,  going  south,  he  jumped  from  the  cars,  while  the  train 
was  moving,  and  although  severely  injured,  crawled  into  the 
brush  and  concealed  himself.  The  train  was  stopped,  but  the 
guards  failed  to  find  him.  As  they  returned  to  the  train,  he 
heard  them  say  they  would  put  the  dogs  on  his  track  in  the 
morning,  He  crawled  into  the  mountains  and  then  started 
north.  He  met  a  man  in  the  woods,  hiding  from  the  rebels, 
who  gave  him  some  corn  bread  and  directed  him  on  his  way. 


SERG.  HUNT  AND  THE  SURGEONS.  109 

He  finally  reached  the  Hiawassee  River,  and  weary,  hungry 
and  feeble — suffering  from  his  injuries — lay  down  under  a  tree 
to  die.  Here  he  was  found  by  a  citizen,  a  Mr.  Packer,  and 
carried  to  his  house,  and  concealed  in  the  attic.  A  division  of 
Forrest's  cavalry  camped  around  the*place  the  next  day,  and 
some  of  the  officers  made  the  house  their  headquarters,  and 
remained  there  four  or  five  days.  He  could  see  them  from  his 
hiding  place,  and  hear  their  conversation,  but  was  careful  to 
keep  himself  in  the  background.  He  was  furnished  with  food 
and  taken  care  of,  during  this  time,  by  Mrs.  Packer,  who 
managed  to  go  to  the  attic  for  that  purpose,  unobserved.  Af 
ter  the  rebel  cavalry  moved  away,  and  he  had  partially  recov 
ered  his  strength,  Benson  started  for  Athens,  and  reached  that 
place  just  as  the  112th  was  moving  out  to  return  to  London, 
on  the  5th  of  October.  He  never  fully  recovered  from  the  in 
jury  received  when  he  jumped  from  the  car,  although  he  re 
mained  with  his  company,  most  of  the  time,  and  performed 
some  duty,  until  in  May,  1835,  when  he  was  discharged.  He 
now  resides  in  Oregon,  and  still  suffers  from  his  injury;  but 
his  jump  probably  saved  him  from  a  worse  fate  —slow  starva 
tion  in  Andersonville. 

A  stormy  scene  ensued  when  Serg.  Hunt  was  discovered ; 
but  he  pretended  to  be  very  sick — said  he  had  tried  to  go,  but 
failed — and  the  rebel  surgeon  left,  promising  to  send  his  pri 
vate  ambulance  fojr  him  in  half  an  hour.  With  the  assistance 
of  Dr.  Jones  and  a  Union  citizen — a  very  old  man  whom  the 
rebels  did  not  trouble — who  furnished  him  with  some  citi 
zen's  clothing,  Hunt  escaped  from  the  hospital  and  went  to 
the  house  of  a  Union  lady  in  town,  where  he  was  concealed  in 
the  attic.  Dr.  Jones  sent  Lewis  Sfcagner  up  there,  and  the 
two  remained  concealed,  in  the  care  of  the  Union  people  and 
Dr.  Jones,  who  visited  them  at  night,  until  the  regiment  re 
turned  to  Athens. 

The  rebel  guards  searched  diligently  for  them,  and  visited 
the  house  where  they  were  concealed,  but  failed  to  find  them. 
The  lady  of  the  house  gravely  informed  them  that  she  was  not 
in  the  business  of  concealing  Yankee  prisoners,  which  satisfied 
them  and  they  continued  their  search  elsewhere. 

Serg.  Hunt  was  sent  to  Knoxville,  and  on  the  9th  of  Novem- 


110  HISTOBY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ber  reported  "for  duty,"  and  served  with  his  company  until 
the  close  of  the  war ;  which  is  satisfactory  proof  that  there 
was  no  necessity  for  amputating  his  arm,  and  that  the  object 
of  the  rebel  surgeon,  as  in  thousands  of  other  similar  cases, 
was  to  disable  him  for  farther  duty  as  a  soldier. 

Whitfield  Evans,  of  Co.  E,  having  been  captured  and  pa 
roled,  in  Kentucky,  the  previous  summer,  and  then  returned 
to  duty,  by  order  of  the  department  commander,  without  hav 
ing  been  exchanged — the  paroles  not  being  recognized — was 
fearful  that  he  might  be  charged  with  breaking  his  parole,  so 
assumed  the  name  of  John  Robinson,  and  was  known  by  the 
rebels  by  that  name.  He  died  in  prison  at  Danville,  Ya.,  in 
March,  1864,  and  was  buried  in  grave  number  646,  by  the  name 
of  John  Robinson. 

When  the  rebels  retreated  from  Athens,  all  the  sick  then  in 
hospital,  of  their  own  as  well  as  Union  soldiers,  were  left  be 
hind,  and  the  Union  surgeons  again  took  charge  of  the  hospital. 

Martin  F.  Knapper  and  Albert  .].  liemour,  of  Co.  H.  were 
also  captured  near  Athens,  on  the  27th,  and  were  first  taken  to 
Atlanta  and  thence  to  Richmond,  then  to  Danville,  and  finally 
to  Andersonville.  Knapper  escaped  from  the  hospital  at  the 
latter  place,  but  was  run  down  by  blood  hounds,  and  recaptur 
ed  and  confined  in  the  stocks  for  punishment.  He  was  parol 
ed  near  Yicksburg,  about  the  8th  of  April,  1865,  and  rejoined, 
and  was  discharged  with,  his  company,  at  Chicago,  on  the  6th 
of  July,  1865.  Remour  died  at  Andersonville  in  June,  1864. 

Let  us  now  go  back  to  Capt.  Wilkins  and  the  men  with  him. 
He  proceeded  as  rapidly  as  possible  toward  Riceville,  and  on 
reaching  the  main  road  near  the  town,  struck  a  rebel  ambulance 
train  with  a  light  guard.  The  Union  troops  had  passed  through 
Riceville  toward  Athens,  but  this  the  captain  did  not  know ; 
so  he  captured  the  train  and  guards— two  or  three  times  his  own 
number  of  men— -and  took  them  into  Riceville.  He  soon  learn 
ed  that  he  was  in  rear  of  the  main  rebel  column,  and  was 
informed  that  he  and  his  men  were  prisoners  of  war.  He  sur 
rendered  his  prize,  and  accepted  the  situation  with  as  good 
grace  as  possible.  It  was  a  sore  disappointment,  but  he  was 
compelled  to  bear  it.  One  of  his  men,  John  Shattuck,  was 
shot  in  the  mouth,  and  left  lying  where  he  fell,  supposed  to 


IN  SOUTHERN  PRISONS.  Ill 

be  dead  ;  but  he  was  afterwards  sent  to  the  hospital  at  Athens, 
and  recaptured  by  the  Union  troops.  The  following  are  the 
names  of  the  men  who  were  captured  with  Capt.  Wilkins  : 

Sergt.  John  Liken.* 

Corporals — David  Yader,  George  W.  Hatton,*  Cyrus  B.  Lord* 
and  Charles  F.  Barber.*  * 

Judson  M.  Atwood,  George  Bunnell,  Peter  Coyle,*  Lewis  B. 
Colby,*  Thomas  H.  Daring,*  James  W.  Dowd,*  John  Doyle,* 
Watson  B.  Ford,*  Charles  T.  Goss,  Frank  Gurstung,*  James 
Hart,*  Edward  D.  Hunt,*  Wesley  Neiswender,  John  B.  Peter 
son,*  Piobert  0.  Serene,*  August  H.  Schrader,  Jefferson  8. 
Snyder*  and  Llewellyn  Worthly. 

*Died  in  rebel  prison. 

Capt.  Wilkins  was  sent  to  Libby  prison  at  Bichmond ;  his 
men  to  Ander son ville— two-thirds  of  them  never  to  return  to 
home  and  friends. 

In  reply  to  a  request  of  the  author  for  information  concerning 
his  prison  life,  Capt.  Wilkins  writes  as  follows  : 

"Our  rations  consisted  of  about  six  ounces  of  solid  food 
per  day,  that  is,  if  bread  made  of  unbolted  corn  meal,  ground 
cob  and  all,  can  be  called  'solid  food'.  As  for  meat  we  had 
next  to  none  ;  and  you  may  well  conclude  we  did  not  increase  in 
weight  while  prisoners.  Add  to  this  the  almost  total  lack 
of  proper  clothing  and  blankets  to  protect  us  from  the  inclem 
ency  of  the  Avinter  weather,  and  it  is  no  wonder  that  men 
died ;  it  is  surprising  that  any  lived  to  tell  the  horrid  tale 
of  their  sufferings.  On  the  night  of  Feb.  9th,  1804,  one 
hundred  and  ten  prisoners,  myself  among  the  number,  escap 
ed  from  Libby,  through  a  tunnel  excavated  under  a  street.  We 
did  not  go  out  in  a  body,  but  by  ones,  twos,  and  threes.  Af 
ter  tramping  around  in  the  Chickahominy  swamps  six  days 
and  nights,  I  was  recaptured  and  taken  back  to  Libby,  and 
placed  in  the  dungeon.  While  confined  in  this  dungeon,  I 
must  confess  I  felt  that  I  had  been  forsaken  by  friends,  coun 
try  and  God.  However,  in  six  or  eight  weeks  after,  it  pleased 
the  old  arch  devil,  Jeff  Davis,  to  order  our  removal  to  Macon, 
Georgia.  This  afforded  another  opportunity  for  escape  ;  and 
one  dark  night  four  of  us  cut  a  hole  through  the  side  of  the 
*Died  in  rebel  prisons. 


112  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

car  in  which  we  were  being  transported  southward,  and  just 
as  the  train  was  moving  out  from  a  station,  jumped  from  the 
car,  and  again  took  French  leave  of  the  Southern  Confedera 
cy.  Lieut.  Griffin,  of  Co.  D,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  was  in  the 
car,  but  too  lame  and  weak  to  make  the  venture.  As  I  took 
his  hand,  and  bade  him**good-bye,'  as  I  verily  believed  for  the 
last  time,  the  tears  filled  my  eyes  in  spite  of  all  I  could  do. 
We  made  a  leap  in  the  dark  as  the  train  was  moving  out,  and 
fortunately  struck  the  ground  without  injury.  We  marched 
by  night,  and  concealed  ourselves  in  the  brush  by  day — the 
north  star  our  only  guide,  and  the  poor  oppressed  negro  our  on 
ly  friend  and  commissary.  We  avoided  cities,  villages  and 
farm  houses,  waded  bogs  and  swamps,  swam  rivers,  and  trav 
ersed  hills  and  mountains,  and  finally,  after  many  a  weary 
night's  march,  entered  the  Union  lines  at  Dalton,  Georgia, 
barely  able  to  draw  our  weary  bodies  along,  but  happier  than 
we  had  been  for  many  long  months.  I  immediately  went  to  the 
telegraph  office  and  sent  the  following  message  to  a  little 
woman  up  in  God's  country  : 

"!)ALTON,  GA.,  JUNE,  5,  18()4. 
"To  MRS.  CLARA  WILKINS, 
"GENESEO,  ILL. 

"Give  me  joy,  I  am  a  free  man.     Will  write  you  more  fully. 

J.  E.  WILKINS." 

"We  went  by  rail  to  Knoxville,  where  I  became  so  weak  I 
was  taken  to  the  hospital.  There  I  found  one  of  my  own 
men,  Louis  Deem,  who  informed  me  that  our  regiment  was  with 
Sherman  on  the  Atlanta  campaign.  The  Post  Surgeon  di 
rected  Louis  to  take  me  home  to  die  ;  but  Louis  did  not  inform 
me  of  this  until  six  months  later.  The  only  thing  I  knew 
was,  that  the  next  day  I  found  Louis  and  myself  on  a  train 
bound  for  the  North,  and  when  we  changed  cars  he  carried 
me  from  one  to  the  other.  I  arrived  at  home  at  last,  and 
thanks  to  the  care  of  that  little  woman,  was  able  to  rejoin  the 
112th,  in  front  of  Atlanta,  on  the  5th  of  August,  1864." 

Charles  T.  Goss,  of  Co.  I,  who  was  captured  with  Capt. 
WilkinS,  made  several  unsuccessful  attempts  to  escape,  and 
twice  succeeded  in  getting  away  from  his  captors,  but  was  re 
captured  and  taken  back  to  prison.  In  the  summer  of  1864 


THE  CYPHER  DISPATCH.  113 

he  made  a  final,  and  successful,  effort  to  escape  from  Anderson- 
ville ;  and  after  many  narrow  escapes,  and  suffering  great 
hardships,  entered  the  Union  lines  at  Rome,  Ga.,  on  the  4th 
of  July,  18(54. 

When  the  command  fell  back  through  Athens,  Capt.  Sroufe 
was  sick,  at  the  house  of  the  Union  lady  at  whose  request  he 
had  obtained  the  National  Flag,  upon  his  first  visit  there ; 
but  he  proceeded  back  with  the  troops,  although  hardly 
able  to  ride  in  an  ambulance. 

When  the  rebels  occupied  the  town, .  Forrest,  himself,  who 
had  been  informed  of  the  incident,  went  to  the  house  and 
informed  the  lady  that  he  wanted  that  "d d  Yankee  cap 
tain"  she  had  concealed  in  her  house.  She  assured  him  that 
the  captain  was  not  there,  that  he  had  gone  back  with  the 
Union  troops,  and  gave  permission  to  search  her  house.  For 
rest  said  the  captain  had  insulted  a  Confederate  lady  by  com 
pelling  her  to  surrender  the  Y'ankee  nag,  and  he  was  determin 
ed  to  make  the  "d d  Yankee  officer"  suffer  for  his  impudence. 

The  house  was  searched,  but,  fortunately  for  Capt.  Sroufe,  he 
was  not  there  to  be  found. 

The  flag  was  found,  however,  and  torn  to  shreds  and  trampl 
ed  in  the  dust  by  the  enraged  rebel  officers. 

Rosecrans  expected  Burnside's  support  in  his  encounter  with 
the  Confederate  army,  and  on  the  18th  of  September  sent  the 
following  cypher  dispatch  by  courier  to  Col.  Byrd,  with  the  re 
quest  that  it  be  forwarded  to  Gen.  Burnside,  whom  Eosecrans 
supposed  was  then  moving  south  to  his  support.  The  dispatch 
was  received  by  Byrd  on  the  Hiawassee  River,  and  was  for 
warded  to  Gen.  Burnside  at  Knoxville,  by  telegraph  : 

"Enemy  Chicamauga  you  again  since  you  left  cavalry  that 
'  hundred  since  good  the  from  it  has  as  should  that  on  on  val- 
'  ley  rich  spring  dispatched  Jasper  twice  important  our  our 

*  hard  o;ic  men  troops  commencement  sickness  has  been  soon 
'  close  it  the  my  September  guns  Crawfish.     I  at  and  very  on 
'  possible  so  twenty  dismounted  horse  of  and  decreased  worked 

*  as  in  was  thirteenth  arrival  eighteenth  enemy  should  once 

*  danger  to  the  close  the  in  and  and  woods  Rome  covering  large 
'  enemy  down  remainder  Tyners  there  if  come  hills  Byrd  at 

—8 


114  HISTOBY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

'  any  down  left  should  possible  front  valley  Dalton  mountains 
'  Headquarters  the  force  are  as  of  station  he  he  down  rocks 

*  campaign  Cleveland  in  came  our  force  as  our  Pea  Vine  to 
'  valleys  at  roads  occupying  in  soon  your  on  can  is  to  Stanton 
'  General  me  we  have  large  La  Fayette  rebels  a  and  we  to 

*  from  wicked  here  concentrate  century  force  will-false  Queenly 
k  Yankee  need  oppose  you  true  Major  can  from  his  Quadrant 
'  well  is  portion  all  them  signed  badly  Benjamin  let  arrived  of 

*  will-everything. 

'J.  P.  DEOUILLAND 
C(tpt.  and  A.  D.  C." 

On  tlie  3d  of  October, — the  next  day  after  the  return  of  the 
regiment  to  Athens,— Capt.  Dunn,  with  his  own  com 
pany  (D)  in  command  of  Lieut.  Griffin,  and  one  company 
of  the  1st  Kentucky  cavalry,  was  directed  by  Col.  Wolford  to 
proceed  toward  Calhoun  in  search  of  the  enemy.  He  was  in 
structed  not  to  enter  the  town,  but  to  approach  as  near  as  he 
could  without  too  great  danger.  Capt.  Dunn  proceeded  on  one 
road  with  the  cavalry  company,  and  Lieut.  Griffin,  with  Co.  D, 
on  another — both  roads  uniting  near  town. 

Capt.  Dunn  exceeded  his  orders  by  taking  his  command  in 
to  the  town,  and  down  near  the  river ;  and  finding  that  the 
rebels  were  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Hiawassee,  in  Charles 
ton,  he  could  not  resist  the  temptation  to  give  their  pickets  a 
few  shots  "just  to  let  them  know  he  was  there."  On  his  re 
turn  he  reported  his  disobedience  of  orders ;  but,  instead  of 
censuring  him,  the  colonel  seemed  gratified  that  the  captain 
had  taken  the  responsibility  of  ascertaining  for  himself  that  no 
enemy  was  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  on  either  of  the  roads 
scouted  by  him. 

At  noon  on  Sunday,  Oct.  4th,  Col.  Byrd's  brigade  received 
orders  to  saddle  up  and  prepare  to  move  at  once.  At  4  o'clock 
the  brigade  started, — marched  seven  miles  toward  Sweetwater, 
and  camped  for  the  night. 

Oct.  5th.  Broke  camp  at  7  o'clock,  and  marched  to  Sweet- 
water. 

Oct.  ()th.  Moved  at  7  o'clock, — marched  to  Louaon,  crossed 
to  the  north  side  of  the  Tennessee  Paver,  halted  three  hours 


GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  <>.  115 

waiting  for  the  train,  and  then  marched  until  9  o'clock  on  the 
road  towards  Kingston.     Very  dark  and  rainy. 

Oct.  7th.  Marched  at  7  o'clock  and  arrived  at  Kingston  at 
noon.  The  112th  Illinois  here  took  the  advance — forded  the 
Clinch  Paver,  and  marched  five  miles  west,  toward  Post  Oak 
Springs. 

Oct.  8th.  Marched  to  Post  Oak  Springs  and  went  into  camp. 
— "just  a  month  and  a  day  from  the  time  the  brigade  left  this 
point  for  Athens.  During  that  time  the  112th  had  been  con 
stantly  at  the  front,  almost  every  day  in  the  saddle,  and  fre 
quently  engaged  in  severe  skirmishing  with  the  enemy.  One 
company  (B)  had  opened  the  campaign  at  Cleveland,  and  an 
other  company  (13)  had  been  the  last  to  locate  the  rebel  forces 
south  of  the  Hiawassee.  The  regiment  had  lost  one  captain 
killed,  six  men  wounded,  and  one  captain,  three  sergeants, 
nine  corporals  and  forty-five  privates  captured. 

Men  and  horses  had  suffered  with  hunger — many  days  at  a 
time  having  had  but  one  meal  a  day,  and  some  not  any,  and 
all  the  time  on  short  rations — and  the  command  wras  now  sta 
tioned  at  Post  Oak  Springs  to  watch  the  enemy  in  that  direc 
tion  and  to  rest  and  recuperate,  and  prepare  for  future  action. 

On  the  10th  of  October  Col.  Byrd  issued  the  following  order 
commendatory  of  the  112th  : 

"H'DQ'RS  IST  BRIO.,  4TH  Div.,  28D  A.  C., 
POST  OAK  SPRINGS,  Get,  10th,  18(53. 

''GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  9. 

"To  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the 
112th  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  : 

"The  Colonel  commanding  takes  great  pleasure  in  announc 
ing  to  you  with  what  feelings  of  gratification  and  pride  he  wit 
nessed  yruir  noble  and  gallant  conduct  when  attacked  by  the 
enemy  ut  Calhoun  on  the  2(>th  of  September  last. 

"The  enemy  threw  himself  upon  you  with  a  force  of  at  least 
six  to  one,  yet  you  quailed  not,  nor  deserted  your  post,  al 
though  you  were  overpowered  and  nearly  surrounded  by  an 
overwhelming  force.  Too  much  cannot  be  said  in  praise  of 
your  noble  conduct  on  that  occasion;  and  when  compelled  to 


116  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

fall  back  from  that  place  to  Loudon,  you  behaved  with  great 
gallantry  and  bravery. 

"Your  country  will  remember  you  in  the  future,  when  the 
glorious  nag  of  our  country  again  floats  over  every  State  and 
Territory  of  this  great  Eepublic,  planted  by  the  hands  of  her 
brave  defenders  who  have  nobly  fought  in  her  cause.  Some 
of  your  number  have  been  grievously  wounded,  some  are  now 
languishing  in  southern  prisons ;  but  although  many  vacan 
cies  occur  in  your  ranks,  you  are  ready  and  anxious  again  to 
meet  the  enemies  of  your  country  wherever  they  may  appear. 

"Toilsome  marches  over  rugged  mountains  have  not  dis 
couraged  you.  You  have  borne  the  heat  and  storms  of  a 
southern  climate  without  murmuring.  You  have  often  march 
ed  days  and  nights  without  food  or  rest,  and  have  never  failed 
when  duty  called  you.  You  have  fought  and  bled  in  your 
country's  cause ;  and  for  all  this  you  will  have  your  reward  in 
the  future  grandeur  and  glory  of  a  united  and  happy  Republic. 

"Go  on,  brave  soldiers,  and  continue  to  persevere  in  the 
cause  in  which  you  have  enlisted,  and  which,  thus  far,  you 
have  so  nobly  sustained,  and  a  grateful  country  will  yet  crown 
you  victors  in  a  glorious  cause. 

"By  command  of  COL.  ROBERT  K.  BYRD. 

"JAMES  MCCARTNEY,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G." 


CHAPTER  XL 

LONGSTREET'S  INVASION  OF  EAST  TENNESSEE. 

MARCHES  AND  COUNTERMARCHES. 

CHARGE  AT  PHILADELPHIA. 

ACROSS   THE   TENNESSEE — RETREAT   TO   CAMPBELL'S   STATION. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  brigade  at  Post  Oak  Brings, 
Col.  Byrd  returned  to  his  home  at  Kingston,  and  Col.  Hender 
son  and  Lieut.  H.  W.  Wells,  Adjutant  of  the  regiment,  visited 
Knoxville  011  business  connected  with  the  service.  Lieut.  Col. 
E.  S.  Bond,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  assumed  command  of  the 
brigade,  and  Major  Dow  of  the  regiment ;  and  Lieut.  A.  P. 
Petrie,  of  Co.  C,  was  detailed  as  acting  adjutant. 

On  the  14th  of  October,  Lieut.  Thompson,  with  twenty-five 
men  of  Co.  B,  was  ordered  to  go  to  Washington,  thirty-two 
miles  south,  on  the  Tennessee  River,  where  a  detachment  of 
the  Arrny  of  the  Cumberland  was  stationed,  with  dispatches 
for  Gen.  Rosecrans.  They  arrived  at  Washington  late  in  the 
night,  after  a  hard  ride  over  rough  roads,  in  a  heavy  rain 
storm,  and  found  shelter  from  the  storm  in  an  old  stable- 
having  had  no  dinner  or  supper.  They  returned  to  Sulphur 
Springs,  once  a  favorite  resort,  twelve  miles  from  Washington, 
the  next  day,  the  rain  still  pouring  in  torrents,  and  took  pos 
session  of  a  "cottage"  at  the  Springs.  Here  the  boys  killed 
and  dressed  a  hog,  cut  it  up,  obtained  a  large  kettle,  and  cook 
ed  the  whole  lot  at  one  time.  They  procured  some  meal,  hir 
ed  some  negro  women  to  make  some  bread,  and  had  a  supper 
fit  for  a  king— if  a  hungry  king— with  enough  left  for  break- 


118  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

fast,  and  some  left  for  the  negroes.     The  detachment  returned 
to  camp  on  the  sixteenth. 

On  the  KHli  Major  Dow  received  orders  from  the  headquar 
ters  of  the  army  at  Knoxville  to  have  the  112th  Illinois  fitted 
up  for-  active  and  rapid  movement ;  to  have  the  horses  well- 
shod — and  he  was  authorized  to  draw  upon  other  regiments 
for  shoes,  or  obtain  them  in  the  country — and  have  everything 
in  readiness  for  active  and  severe  duty.  From  the  nature  of 
the  order  it  was  inferred  the  regiment  was  to  be  detached  from 
the  brigade  and  sent  on  some  distant  and  perilous  expedition 
—perhaps  to  Western  Virginia,  or  into  Northern  Georgia,  or 
over  the  mountains  into  Kentucky — but  if  such  was  the  inten 
tion  it  was  abandoned. 

On  the  18th,  Lieut.  Thompson,  with  twenty-five  men  of  Co. 
B,  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  Sulphur  Springs,  and  scout  the 
country  thoroughly  in  search  of  a  courier,  on  the  line  between 
Kingston  and  Washington,  who  was  missing  with  an.  important 
dispatch.  He  was  instructed  to  divide  his  company  at  Sul 
phur  Springs,  and  send  part  to  Washington,  and  destroy  all 
boats  on  the  river  between  Washington  and  Kingston  ;  and,  if 
possible,  to  capture  an  old  rebel  named  Brown,  who  resided 
on  an  island  in  the  river,  with  one  or  two  sons,  and  who  were 
suspected  of  having  waylaid  the  missing  courier.  The  detach 
ment  was  absent  four  days,  and  destroyed  eleven  boats,  but 
failed  to  find  the  missing  courier.  Brown's  island  was  desert 
ed  ;  he  was  with  the  rebel  army,  east  of  the  river,  but  his  cab 
in  and  other  buildings  were  destroyed  and  the  place  rendered 
uninhabitable. 

Serg.  John  H.  Bunnell,  with  a  squad  of  men,  crossed  the 
river  to  destroy  a  boat  on  the  east  side.  They  ascended  the 
Muff,  and  seeing  a  farm-house  not  far  away,  went  to  it.  Sev 
eral  rebel  soldiers  were  there  eating  supper,  but  did  not  see 
Bunnell  and  his  men  until  the  latter  were  entering  the  house. 
The  rebels  were  surprised,  and  ran  out  of  an  opposite  door  and 
took  to  the  fields,  closely  followed  by  the  whole  family,  leaving 
their  arms  and  accoutrements  standing  in  a  corner.  Bunnell 
and  his  men  coolly  finished  the  rebels'  supper,  and  taking  the 
captured  arms  and  accoutrements,  recrossed  the  river.  The 
detachment  returned  to  Post  Oak  Springs  on  the  21st,  but 


LEAVES  OF  ABSENCE.  119 

found  the  camp  abandoned ;  the  command  had  marched  for 
Kingston,  by  way  of  the  ford  across  the  Clinch  River. 

The  detachment  proceeded  by  a  shorter  route  to  the  ferry, 
but  the  ferryman  refused  to  take  them  over.  The  boat  was  a 
side-wheel  concern,  run  by  horse-power.  After  parleying  with 
him  to  no  purpose,  Serg.  Doyle  was  directed  to  take  the  helm, 
the  men  led  their  horses  aboard,  and  the  proprietor  became 
an  unwilling  passenger  on  his  own  boat. 

Col.  Henderson  returned  from  Knoxville  on  the  17th.  His 
health  had  become  greatly  impaired,  and  believing  the  cam 
paign  had  ended  for  the  season,  and  that  the  regiment  would 
remain  at  Post  Oak  Springs  during  the  winter,  he  was  ordered 
by  Gen.  Burnside  to  proceed  north  on  recruiting  service  ;  and 
on  the  19th  started  for  home,  to  rest  himself  and  recruit  the 
depleted  ranks  of  the  regiment.  He  was  absent  until  about 
the  middle  of  the  following  January — the  situation  of  affairs 
in  East  Tennessee  being  such  that  he  could  not  rejoin  the  re 
giment  before  that  time. 

Capt.  Wright  obtained  leave  of  absence  and  also  went  home, 
leaving  his  company,  in  the  meantime,  in  the  command  of 
Lieut.  Armstrong. 

Adjutant  Wells  returned  to  the  regiment ;  but  having  been 
authorized  by  Gen.  Burnside  to  raise  a  regiment  of  artillery 
in  East  Tennessee,  he  returned  to  Knoxville  on  the  20th  of  Oc 
tober,  and  was  assigned  to  duty  as  Chief  of  Artillery  on  the 
staff  of  Brig.  Gen.  Manson. 

On  the  25th  of  November  following,  Lieut.  Wells  severed  his 
connection  with  the  regiment,  and  was  promoted  to  Major  of 
artillery.  After  the  siege  of  Knoxville  he  served  a  few  wreeks 
on  the  staff  of  Brig.  Gen.  Cox,  and  wras  then  assigned  to  duty 
as  Chief  of  Engineers  and  Artillery  on  the  staff  of  Brig.  Gen. 
Tillson.  On  the  29th  of  April,  1864,  he  was  assigned  to  duty 
as  Chief  of  Artillery  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  Cox,  commanding  the 
3d  Division,  23d  Army  Corps,  and  served  in  that  capacity  un 
til  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  also  Acting  Assistant  Adju 
tant  General,  and  Judge  Advocate,  of  the  3d  Division,  during 
part  of  the  Atlanta  campaign,  in  addition  to  his  other  regular 
staff  duties.  During  the  succeeding  campaigns  in  Georgia, 
Middle  Tennessee  and  North  Carolina,  Major  W^ells  perform- 


120  HISTOBY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ed  the  duties  pertaining  to  bis  enlarged  sphere  of  action  in  a 
manner  highly  creditable  to  himself  and  to  the  entire  satisfac 
tion  of  his  commanding  officer.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  in 
Capt.  Dunn's  company,  was  appointed,  and  mustered  into  the 
service,  as  adjutant  of  the  regiment,  and  all  claim  him  as  a 
member  of  our  regimental  "family." 

Lieut.  Petrie  continued  to  perform  the  duties  of  adjutant 
until  the  24th  of  November,  when  he  was  relieved,  at  his  own 
request,  and  Lieut.  C.  AY.  Brown,  of  Co.  E,  was  detailed  as 
Acting  Adjutant.  Lieut.  Brown  was  offered  the  permanent 
appointment  as  adjutant,  but  declined  it.  He  performed  the 
duties  of  the  office  until  the  return  of  the  regiment  to  Kentucky 
in  the  spring  of  1864,  and  was  then  relieved  at  his  own  re 
quest. 

On  the  20th  of  October  a  scouting  party  of  twenty  men,  of 
the  112th  Illinois,  captured  six  rebel  soldiers  near  Kingston, 
and  it  was  learned  that  three  brigades  of  rebel  cavalry  were 
moving  up  the  Tennessee  Valley,  east  of  the  river,  toward 
Kingston.  The  1st  East  Tennessee  regiment  was  immediate 
ly  ordered  to  Kingston  to  guard  the  ferry ;  and  later  on  the 
same  day  the  rest  of  the  brigade  also  moved  to  Kingston. 

The  Tennessee  regiment  was  here  detached  from  the  brigade 
and  ordered  to  garrison  Kingston— Col.  Byrd  commanding  the 
Post — and  remained  there  the  following  winter.  The  regi 
ment  was  dismounted,  and,  with  other  regiments,  repelled  an 
assault  made  by  a  detachment  of  Longstreet's  army,  in  No 
vember,  and  held  the  position  against  every  attempt  of  the  en 
emy  to  capture  tt. 

A  few  days  after,  the  6th  regiment  Indiana  cavalry  was 
temporarily  added  to  the  brigade,  and  the  number  was  chang 
ed  to  the  2d  Brigade,  4th  Cavalry  Division,  28d  Army  Corps. 
Lieut.  Col.  Bond,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  commanded  the  brig 
ade,  with  few  temporary  exceptions,  until  Col.  Henderson's 
return  from  the  North  in  the  following  January.  During  that 
time  Major  Dow  commanded  the  regiment,  and  Capt.  Dunn, 
the  senior  captain,  acted  as  field  officer  of  the  regiment ;  and 
until  the  18th  of  November  Lieut.  Griffin  commanded  Co.  D. 

On  the  22d  of  October  the  pickets  of  the  8th  Michigan  Cav 
alry  were  attacked  and  an  Orderly  Sergeant  killed  and  the 


A  VARIETY  OF  MOVEMENTS.  121 

rest  of  the  pickets  captured.  Capt.  Mitchell  with  Co.  C,  and 
part  of  Co.  H  in  command  of  Lieut.  Newman,  proceeded  on  a 
scout,  by  way  of  Post  Oak  Springs,  as  far  south  as  White 
Creek.  No  rebel  troops  were  discovered  on  the  west  side  of 
the  river,  but  it  was  learned  that  a  large  force  of  rebels  was 
moving  through  Athens  toward  London. 

At  ten  o'clock  that  night,  after  all  the  men,  except  the  pick 
ets  and  guards,  had  retired  to  rest,  the  bugle  sounded  "boots 
and  saddles, "  in  clear,  ringing,  emphatic  tones,  that  every 
man  understood  to  mean  "business."  The  command  was  or 
dered  to  move  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  in  twenty  minutes 
the  column  was  on  the  road  marching  toward  London.  The 
brigade  marched  all  night,  in  darkness  so  dense  it  could  al 
most  be  cut ;  and,  without  halting  for  breakfast,  continued  on, 
in  the  midst  of  a  pouring  rain-storm,  until  noon,  when  it  ar 
rived  at  London.  The  rebels  were  reported  in  force  at  Phila 
delphia,  six  miles  below  London,  and  threatening  the  bridge 
and  army  stores  at  the  latter  place,  hence  the  forced  march 
to  reinforce  the  troops  already  there. 

Eosecrans  was  safely  caged  in  Chattanooga,  with  the  rebel 
army  looking  down  from  the  heights  of  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Missionary  Eidge,  their  sides  bristling  with  artillery,  threaten 
ing  destruction  to  the  Union  army ;  and  accordingly  Bragg 
had  sent  Longstreet,  with  a  strong  force,  to  drive  Burnside 
back  over  the  mountains  into  Kentucky,  or  compel  him  to  sur 
render.  We  made  the  acquaintance  of  Longstreet's  advance 
on  the  24th  of  October,  and  from  that  time  until  the  following 
February,  the  112th  Illinois  kept  up  an  intimate,  if  not  a  cor 
dial,  acquaintance  with  his  troops. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  24th  the  brigade  proceeded  tow 
ard  Philadelphia  ;  met  the  rebel  advance  guard  and  drove  it 
back  upon  their  main  column.  Engaged  in  light  skirmishing 
and  reconnoitering  all  clay,  and  returned  to  London  in  the 
evening. 

On  Sunday,  the  25th,  Major  Dow  was  directed  to  proceed  to 
Philadelphia  with  the  112th  Illinois  and  feel  of  the  enemy,  but 
not  to  bring  on  a  general  engagement,  if  possible  to  prevent 
it.  The  regiment  drove  in  the  enemy's  pickets  and  skirmished 
until  night  and  then  retired  to  London. 


1'2'2  HISTORY  OF  THE  11-2TH  ILLINOIS. 

Capt.  S route,  with  liis  own  company,  and  Co.  B,  in  com 
mand  of  Capt.  Gudgel,  was  directed  to  move  out  on  the  Mad- 
isonville  road  and  ascertain  the  position  of  the  enemy  in  that 
direction.  He  encountered  the  rebel  pickets  five  miles  from 
Philadelphia  and  attacked  and  drove  them  in.  After  skirm 
ishing  with  the  enemy  as  long  as  it  was  safe  to  do  so,  Capt. 
Sroufe  withdrew  his  force  and  retired  slowly  to  London. 

Three  brigades  of  mounted  troops,  with  three  pieces  of  artil 
lery,  all  in  command  of  Gen.  Saunders,  moved  from  London, 
at  noon  of  the  26th,  and  marched  to  Philadelphia,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  developing  the  enemy's  position  and  strength.  Co.  K, 
in  command  of  Capt.  E.  H.  Colcord,  and  Co.  G,  in  command 
of  Lieut.  T.  E.  Milchrist,  of  the  112th,  were  thrown  forward  as 
skirmishers,  and  attacked  and  drove  in  the  enemy's  skirmish 
line.  The  rebels  rallied  and  endeavored  to  recover  the  lost 
ground,  but  the  K  and  G  boys  held  the  position,  and  sent  them 
reeling  back  to  their  main  line.  The  Union  companies  had 
the  advantage  of  the  long-range  rifles,  and  while  comparative 
ly  out  of  danger  themselves — the  rebel  skirmishers  being  arm 
ed  with  carbines — they  poured  a  hot  fire  into  the  ranks  of  the 
enemy ;  and  for  this  reason  they  sutfered  no  loss,  while  the 
rebels  sutfered  severely. 

The  9th  Tennessee  (rebel)  regiment  of  mounted  infantry, 
numbering  four  hundred  men,  occupied  an  advanced  position 
on  a  hill,  three  miles  below  Philadelphia,  on  the  enemy's  right. 

They  were  dismounted,  their  horses  in  rear,  and  were  armed 
with  rifles.  The  8th  Michigan  cavalry  charged  up  the  hill  and 
attempted  to  drive  the  rebels  off,  but  were  repulsed,  with  the 
loss  of  several  men  killed  and  wounded.  Another  cavalry  reg 
iment  made  the  attempt,  and  that,  too,  was  repulsed,  with 
considerable  loss,  amid  the  cheers  and  jeers  of  thousands  of 
rebel  troops.  Major  Dow  moved  the  112th,  left  in  front, 
around  to  the  foot  of  the  hill,  right  under  fire,  dismounted, 
leaving  every  fifth  man  to  hold  horses,  formed  in  line  in  front 
of  the  horses,  fixed  bayonets,  and  the  order '  was  given  to 
"Charge!" 

Gen.  Saunders  rode  along  the  line  and  said  "Now,  boys, 
1  show  them  what  Illinoisans  can  do.  I  want  you  to  take 
'  that  hill." 


CHARGE  AT  PHILADELPHIA.  123 

With  cheers,  and  a  shout  of  defiance  at  the  rebels  on  the 
hill,  the  regiment  moved  steadily  forward,  without  wavering, 
and  rapidly  ascended  the  hill.  The  enemy  opened  a  rapid  fire  ; 
the  air  seemed  full  of  whistling,  "zipping"  bullets,  but,  as  us 
ual  with  men  on  an  elevated  position  firing  down  the  hill,  their 
balls  passed  harmlessly  over  our  heads,  and  the  regiment  suff 
ered  but  little  loss.  When  the  brow  of  the  hill  was  reached 
the  rebels  were  given  one  volley,  and  the  regiment  rushed  for 
ward  at  "charge  bayonets."  They  could  not  stand  the  line  of 
bristling  bayonets,  but  broke  and  retreated  in  disorder  down 
the  opposite  side  of  the  hill.  The  Union  troops,  as  well  as 
the  rebels,  had  witnessed  the  discomfiture  of  the  cavalry  regi 
ments,  and  as  the  112th  gained  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  the  reb 
els  broke  and  ran  like  sheep,  the  Union  soldiers  made  the  wel 
kin  ring  with  cheer  after  cheer,  and  the  112th  regiment  was 
the  hero  of  the  day. 

The  casualties  of  the  regiment  were,  one  man  killed — Tiras 
Starnes  of  Co.  D — and  six  men  wounded — -Sergeant  Major  J. 
C.  B-iird,  Joseph  Dingman  of  Co.  A,  Corporal  Andrew 
Harty  of  Co.  F,  Henry  H.  Firkins  of  Co.  C,  First  Sergeant 
Henry  Graves  of  Co.  E,  and  Conrad  E.  Smith  of  Co.  K. 

But  two  hundred  men  of  the  regiment  wrere  present,  and  one- 
fifth  of  these  held  the  horses,  so  that  only  one  hundred  and 
sixty  men  participated  in  the  charge.  The  regiment  lost 
heavily  in  horses,  many  being  killed  and  wounded  in  line  at 
the  foot  of  the  hill. 

Eight  prisoners,  and  fifty  muskets,  thrown  away  by  the  re 
treating  rebels,  were  captured.  The  rebels  opened  fire  upon 
the  regiment  with  artillery,  and  the  9th  Tennessee  rallied  and 
attempted  to  recapture  the  hill,  but  they  soon  learned  that  the 
lllinoisftns  could  hold  a  position  as  well  as  take  it.  Lieut. 
Griffin  asked,  and  obtained,  permission  to  deploy  his  company 
(D)  and  make  a  demonstration  on  the  battery,  and  it  being 
unsupported,  he  compelled  it  to  limber  up  and  seek  a  safer 
position. 

The  112th  was  highly  praised  for  its  gallantry  and  good 
conduct  011  this  occasion.  Gen.  Saunders  sought  Major  Dow 
on  the  held,  and  personally  thanked  him,  and  complimented 
the  officers  and  men  for  their  coolness  and  steady  bearing  mi- 


121  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

der  iire  ;  and  Lieut.  Col.  Wormer — temporarily  in  command  of 
the  brigade  during  Lieut.  Col.  Bond's  illness — promulgated  a 
congratulatory  order,  addressed  "To  the  Officers  and  Soldiers 
of  the  112th  Regiment  Illinois  Mounted  Infantry,"  thanking 
them  for  their  bravery  arid  brilliant  conduct  in  making  the 
charge.  The  command  returned  to  London  at  ten  o'clock  in 
the  evening,  and  the  112th,  with  other  regiments,  lay  all  night 
in  line  of  battle,  on  a  range  of  hills  south  of  the  river. 

Sergt.  George  W.  Buck  of  Co.  C — on  duty  in  the  Quarter 
master's  Department — crossed  the  river  on  the  27th,  with  a 
forage  train,  guarded  by  Co.  G,  in  command  of  Lieut.  Mil- 
christ.  They  had  not  proceeded  far  when  they  were  attacked 
by  rebel  cavalry.  The  rebels  made  several  desperate  attempts 
to  capture  ,the  train,  but  Lieut.  Milchrist  and  the  Co.  G  boys 
repulsed  every  assault,  and  held  them  in  check  until  the  45th 
Ohio  came  to  their  assistance,  when  they  turned  upon  the  en 
emy  and  drove  them  beyond  Philadelphia.  They  then  return 
ed  to  the  train  and  brought  it  safely  into  camp,  well  loaded 
with  forage. 

The  9th  Army  Corps,  under  command  of  Gen.  Potter,  was 
encamped  at  Lenoir,  six  miles  above  London.  A  division  of 
infantry  of  the  23d  Corps  was  at  Loudon,  and  the  other  divis 
ions  were  stationed  at  different  points  ;  some  near  the  Virginia 
line,  northeast  of  Knoxville,  operating  against  other  portions 
of  the  rebel  army. 

Longstreet  was  pushing  forward  his  infantry,  threatening  to 
cross  the  river  above  and  below  Loudon.  His  cavalry  had  ef 
fected  a  crossing  of  the  Little  Tennessee  east  of  Loudon,  and 
were  moving  up  the  valley  on  the  east  side  of  the  Holston. 
Under  these  circumstances  the  position  at  Loudon  became 
untenable  ;  consequently  the  pontoons  were  removed  from  the 
river,  and  on  the  28th  of  October  the  place  was  evacuated,  and 
the  Union  troops  retired  to  Lenoir.  Guards  were  stationed  at 
all  the  ferries  and  fords  on  the  Tennessee  and  Holston  rivers, 
and  detachments  were  constantly  engaged  in  scouting  in  the 
country  on  both  sides  of  the  two  rivers  and  watching  the  move 
ments  of  the  enemy. 

Capt.  S.  F.  Otman,  with  part  of  his  own  company  (E),  part 
of  Co.  H,  in  command  of  Lieut.  Jesse  Newman,  and  one  com- 


TAMING  A  SUTLER.  125 

pany  of  the  8th  Michigan  cavalry,  was  directed  to  guard  the 
fords  and  ferries  on  the  Holston,  between  London  and  Louis 
ville,  a  distance  of  about  twenty  miles,  and  to  hold  them  until 
relieved  or  driven  back  by  the  enemy.  In  pursuance  of  the 
order,  he  stationed  Sergt.  Solomon  Dixon  with  twenty  men 
of  Co.  E,  at  Park's  Ferry :  Sergt.  John  E.  Gharrett  with  twelve 
men,  at  a  ford  in  a  bend  of  the  river  above  ;  and  the  remainder 
of  the  Co.  E  men  at  Low's  Ferry,  five  miles  above,  where  he 
made  his  head-quarters.  Lieut.  Newman  and  his  company, 
and  part  of  the  8th  Michigan  company— under  a  sergeant, 
were  posted  still  further  up  the  river,  watching  the  ferries  and 
fords  in  the  vicinity  of  Louisville.  Capt.  Otman  gave  the  offi 
cer  in  charge  of  the  several  posts  the  same  instructions  he  had 
received — to  hold  the  position  until  relieved  or  driven  back  by 
the  enemy. 

The  112th  was  ordered  to  be  ready  to  move  at  10  o'clock  on 
the  29th.  Saddled  up  and  moved  out  on  the  road,  where  the 
regiment  waited  until  2  o'clock  for  orders,  and  was  then  direct 
ed  to  return  to  camp. 

On  the  30th,  Capt.  Sroufe,  with  fifty  men  of  the  112th,  and 
fifty  men  of  the  8th  Michigan,  was  sent  up  the  river  to  recon- 
noiter  and  ascertain  the  movements  of  the  enemy  in  the  vicin 
ity  of  a  certain  ford.  He  found  the  27th  Kentucky  mounted  in 
fantry  was  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  hard  pressed  by 
a  superior  force  of  the  enemy,  and  in  great  danger  of  being 
captured,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  crossing  the  river  un 
der  fire — the  ford  being  a  dangerous  one  even  under  the  most 
favorable  circumstances.  Capt.  Sroufe  moved  his  men  down 
to  the  water's  edge,  dismounted  and  opened  fire  upon  the  en 
emy,  holding  them  at  bay  while  the  27th  crossed.  He  remain 
ed  there  until  after  dark,  and  did  not  reach  camp  until  eleven 
o'clock.  He  lost  no  men.  The  27th  Kentucky  lost  two  killed 
and  seven  wounded. 

October  31st,  the  regiment  mustered  for  pay,  and  before  the 
muster  was  completed  received  orders  to  saddle  up  and  be 
ready  to  move  at  a  moment's  notice.  The  order  was  soon 
countermanded  and  the  regiment  remained  in  camp. 

On  Sunday,  Nov.  1st,  the  sutler  of  the  20th  Michigan  regi 
ment  opened  his  stock,  and  was  well  patronized  by  the  boys, 


126  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

who  bad  been  so  long  at  the  front  without  opportunities  to 
purchase  luxuries  or  even  necessaries.  His  prices  were  high, 
but  not  exorbitant,  considering  the  distance  he  had  hauled  his 
goods  over  the  mountains.  In  fact,  old  soldiers  could  not  be 
imposed  upon  by  sutlers.  If  a  sutler  charged  anexorbi^int 
price  for  his  wares,  he  was  requested  to  "come  down"- — and  no 
one  of  them  was  ever  known  to  refuse  a  second  time.  The  sol 
diers  were  at  all  times  generous,  but  they  would  not  be  swin 
dled.  One  instance  will  illustrate  :  A  sutler  drove  into  camp 
with  a  large  wagon  heavily  loaded  with  goods.  He  was  im 
mediately  surrounded  by  an  eager  throng  of  would  be  purchas 
ers.  He  displayed  his  goods  and  named  his  prices.  The  boys 
quickly  discovered  that  he  intended  to  swindle  them,  that  his 
prices  were  three  times  the  value  of  his  goods.  They  com 
menced  quietly  helping  themselves,  and  before  he  was  aware 
of  their  intention,  but  one  article  was  remaining  in  the  wagon 
—a  caddy  of  tobacco  on  which  he  was  sitting.  He  stood  up 
to  protest  against  being  "robbed,"  and  in  a  moment  the  tobac 
co  was  gone.  He  took  the  hint.  He  returned  with  another 
load,  drove  into  the  same  camp,  offered  his  goods  at  reason 
able  prices,  and  sold  them  rapidly  at  a  fair  profit  This  he  re 
peated  many  times  ;  and  he  said  he  would  not  hesitate  to  leave 
his  wagon,  or  tent,  in  that  camp,  at  any  time,  day  or  night, 
unguarded. 

November  2nd,  the  9th  Corps  commenced  building  "winter 
quarters,"  after  the  fashion  of  McClellan's  army  in  the  East. 
They  afterwards  learned,  however,  that  the  armies  in  the  West 
never  indulged  in  such  luxuries ;  and  even  they  were  not  per 
mitted  to  inhabit  their  cosy  cabins. 

November  3d,  a  general  inspection  of  all  the  mounted  troops 
was  had,  and  the  112th  "passed  muster"  and  was  favorably 
reported. 

On  the  4th,  Lieut.  Milchrist  with  Co.  G,  and  Lieut.  Thomp 
son  with  Co.  B,  were  ordered  to  go  to  Kingston  as  guards  to  a 
battery  which  was  being  sent  there  to  aid  in  the  defense  of  that 
post.  They  met  two  companies  of  the  1st  Tennessee  regiment 
twelve  miles  from  Lenoir,  and  turned  the  battery  over  to  them 
and  returned  to  camp. 

Capt.  Colcorcl  was  sent  out  on  a  reconnoissance,  with  his 


DRAW  PAY  AND  CLOTHING.  271 

company  (K),  and  scouted  along  the  river  until  dark  and  then 
returned  to  camp,  with  valuable  information  as  to  the  move 
ments  of  the  enemy. 

On  the  6th,  drew  clothing,  and  were  required  to  report  the 
number  of  men  and  horses  fit  for  active  duty.  At  ten  o'clock 
in  the  evening  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  saddle  up  and  pre 
pare  to  move  at  once.  After  everything  was  in  readiness  to 
march  the  order  was  countermanded,  only  to  be  repeated  at 
three  o'clock  the  next  morning. 

Many  horses  of  the  mounted  regiments  were  broken  down 
and  unfit  for  service ;  and  a  considerable  number  of  the  men 
were  worn  out  by  constant  duty,  night  and  day,  in  the  rainy 
season,  always  on  short  rations,  and  many  days  without  any ; 
and  when,  on  the  morning  of  November  7th,  the  order  was 
given  to  move  out  at  once,  with  only  the  best  horses  and  strong 
est  men,  leaving  all  others  behind,  a  large  proportion  of  every 
regiment  was  left  in  camp.  Capt.  Sroufe  was  detailed  to  re 
main  in  command  of  the  112th  men.  Moved  at  six  o'clock, 
marched  twelve  miles  towards  Knoxville,  and  encamped  on 
the  farm  of  the  Dr.  Baker  who  was  shot  by  the  Tennessee  Un 
ion  soldiers  on  the  JSaunders  raid,  in  the  preceding  June,  where 
there  was  an  abundance  of  corn  and  forage  for  the  hungry 
horses. 

Marched  at  7  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  and  arrived 
at  Knoxville  and  went  into  camp,  a  mile  south  of  town,  about 
noon  of  the  same  day ;  and  remained  there,  performing  vari 
ous  duties,  watching  the  enemy  below,  reconnoitering,  and 
kept  in  readiness  to  move  at  a  moments  notice  at  any  time, 
day  or  night,  until  the  14th  of  November.  Part  of  Co.  E  and 
part  of  Co.  H  were  still  on  picket  on  the  Holston  liiver ;  and 
Major  Dow  directed  Lieut.  Brown,  who  was  in  command  of 
the  remnant  of  Co.  E  with  the  regiment,  to  relieve  Lieut. 
Newman  and  his  men  ;  and  the  latter  rejoined  the  regiment 
with  fat  horses  and  well-fed  men,  as  they  had  found  excellent 
foraging  on  the  river. 

On  the  13th,  Capt.  Mitchell  with  his  Co.  (C)  was  directed  to 
go  out  and  meet  a  United  States  Paymaster,  who  was  coming 
over  the  mountains  from  Kentucky  with  a  large  amount  of 
money,  and  guard  the  treasure  into  Knoxville.  Capt.  Mitchell 


128  HISTOBY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

successfully  performed  the  perilous  duty,  and  brought  the  pay 
master  and  the  money  safely  into  the  city. 

On  the  same  day,  (the  13th),  Lieut.  Thompson  returned  to 
Lenoir,  with  instructions  to  Capt.  Sroufe  to  turn  over  all  the 
unserviceable  horses  and  move  his  men  to  Knoxville.  He  ar 
rived  at  Lenoir  late  in  the  evening.  The  next  morning  a  di 
vision  of  the  23d  Corps  was  engaged  with  the  enemy  in  the  vi 
cinity  of  London,  and  the  9th  Corps  was  moving  down  to  its 
assistance.  Longstreet  was  pushing  his  division  across  the 
river,  and  the  armies  were  on  the  eve  of  an  important  battle  ; 
consequently  the  order  to  turn  over  the  horses  could  not  be 
carried  out. 

In  the  afternoon  Hon.  Charles  A.  Dana,  then  Assistant  Sec 
retary  of  War,  Hon.  Horace  Maynard,  a  Union  member  of  the 
United  States  Congress  from  East  Tennessee,  and  Col.  Bab- 
cock,  of  Gen.  Grant's  staff,  arrived  at  Lenoir  from  Knoxville, 
where  they  had  been  in  consultation  with  Gen.  Burnside,  and 
desired  to  proceed  at  once  to  Chattanooga.  As  Longstreet  oc 
cupied  the  country  through  which  lay  the  direct  route,  they 
were  compelled  to  go  by  way  of  Kingston,  and  thence  down  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Tennessee.  Gen.  Potter,  commanding 
the  9th  Corps,  directed  Capt.  Stroufe  to  take  a  lieutenant,  and 
thirty-five  men  having  the  best  horses,  and  one  ambulnace, 
and  go  with  them  as  a  guard  as  far  as  Kingston.  Capt.  Sroufe 
directed  Lieut.  Thompson  to  accompany  him,  and,  selecting 
men  and  horses,  they  started  at  once,  and  arrived  safely  at 
Kingston  about  8  o'clock  in  the  evening.  After  feeding  horses 
they  started  to  return,  but  had  not  proceeded  far  when  they 
were  informed  by  a  Union  citizen  that  part  of  Longstreet's  ar 
my  had  crossed  the  river  at  Hough's  Ferry,  and  was  in  posses 
sion  of  the  road  to  Lenoir,  and  the  road  to  Campbell's  Station 
above  Lenoir,  and  that  the  detachment  was  completely  cut  oft'. 
A  careful  reconnoissance  proved  the  truth  of  the  man's  state 
ment.  To  proceed  further  in  that  direction  would  result  in 
certain  capture.  The  Union  citizen  volunteered  his  services 
as  a  guide ;  and  returning  a  few  miles,  the  detachment  took 
another  road,  leading  around  Longstreet'a  forces.  It  was  a 
rough,  mountainous  road,  at  many  places  almost  impassable, 
over  steep  hills  and  through  narrow  defiles  ;  and  they  march- 


PROSPECT  OF  A  FIGHT.  129 

ed  all  night  and  all  the  next  day  (Sunday  the  15th),  to  reach 
Campbell's  Station,  a  few  miles  above  Lenoir.  Having  had 
nothing  whatever  to  eat  since  leaving  Kingston,  they  marched 
three  miles  further  to  Concord,  on  the  railroad,  where  rations 
could  be  obtained,  and  remained  there  over  night. 

At  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  November  14th,  the  112th 
Illinois,  with  the  other  mounted  regiments  at  Knoxville,  march 
ed  for  Lenoir.  It  had  rained  hard  all  the  preceding  night  and 
afternoon,  and  the  roads  were  very  muddy,  and  for  artillery 
almost  impassable.  The  command  marched  but  ten  miles  and 
halted  for  the  night.  Reveille  at  3  :30,  and  moved  at  daylight, 
on  the  15th,  and  reached  Lenoir  at  four  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon.  Here  all  was  excitement  and  confusion.  Longstreet 
had  succeeded  in  crossing  the  river  and  the  two  armies  were 
already  engaged  in  severe  fighting.  The  roads  were  blockad 
ed  with  9th  Corps  trains  ;  quartermasters  were  cursing,  team 
sters  swearing  and  mules  braying ;  while  the  roar  of  artillery 
and  the  rattle  of  musketry,  warned  them  that  time  was  pre 
cious  and  danger  near.  Longstreet  was  slowly  but  surely  ad 
vancing  his  lines  and  the  Union  troops  were  doggedly  and 
slowly  falling  back. 

Campbell's  Station  is  not  a  railroad  station,  but  a  village  of 
that  name — an  old  stage  station — about  three  miles  west  of 
Concord  on  the  railroad.  It  is  situated  on  the  highway  between 
Kingston  and  Knoxville — the  Lenoir  and  Kingston  roads  unit 
ing  at  the  "forks"  about  a  mile  below  the  village. 

Longstreet  was  advancing  with  the  main  portion  of  his  ar 
my  on  the  Lenoir  road,  while  the  detachment  that  had  crossed 
the  river  at  Hough's  Ferry  was  advancing  on  the  Kingston 
road.  At  the  same  time  he  had  sent  a  heavy  force  up  the 
Holston  River  on  the  London  and  Concord  road,  to  flank  Gen. 
Burnside's  position  at  Lenoir  and  gain  possession  of  the  road 
above  the  forks  of  the  Lenoir  and  Kingston  roads,  and  thus 
completely  cut  oft'  Burnside's  line  of  retreat  to  Knoxville.  If 
either  wing  of  his  army  could  gain  possession  of  the  road  above 
the  jum-tlon  of  the  two  roads,  while  he  held  the  Union  arniy 
at  Lenoir  with  his  center,  his  object  would  be  accomplished. 
But  the  trains  of  the  Union  army,  containing  stores  which  had 
—9 


130  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

been  hauled  hundreds  of  miles  over  the  mountains,  were  too 
valuable  to  be  abandoned ;  and  although  Long-street's  army 
greatly  outnumbered  the  Union  army,  Gen.  Burnside  determ 
ined  to  save  both  his  army  and  his  trains.  The  Union  army 
fell  back  to  Lenoir,  and  there,  on  the  15th,  Longstreet  made  a 
furious  assault  on  the  9th  Corps,  but  was  repulsed  with  con 
siderable  loss. 

Immediately  upon  the  arrival  of  the  mounted  troops  at  Le 
noir,  they  were  ordered  to  return  to  Campbell's  Station  to 
watch  the  movements  of  the  rebels  in  that  direction,  and  pre 
vent  them  from  getting  possession  of  the  road.  The  command 
moved  at  once  and  arrived  at  Campbell's  Station  at  daylight 
the  next  morning.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  16th  the  ball 
opened.  The  Union  infantry  fell  back  from  Lenoir,  slowly,  in 
good  order,  but  closely  followed  by  Longstreet,  fighting  every 
inch  of  the  ground.  Capt.  Dunn,  with  Co.  I)  of  the  112th  Ill 
inois,  in  command  of  Lieut.  Griffin,  and  four  companies  of  the 
6th  Indiana  cavalry,  was  directed  to  advance  on  the  Kingston 
road  until  he  met  the  enemy,  and  to  hold  the  rebel  force  on 
that  road  in  check  as  long  as  possible  :  and  Major  Dow  with 
the  remainder  of  the  regiment — except  Co's  E,  I  and  G,  and 
the  detachment  with  Capt.  Sroufe — was  directed  to  support 
Capt.  Dunn  ;  while  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  held  the  rest  of  the  bri 
gade  in  readiness  to  strike  a  blow  wherever  and  whenever  re 
quired. 

The  country  between  the  two  roads  below  the  forks  was 
heavily  timbered,  so  that  the  movements  of  troops  on  one  road 
could  not  be  seen  from  the  other.  Capt.  Dunn  moved  down 
the  road  with  his  command,  and  was  soon  engaged  in  a  sharp 
skirmish  with  the  enemy.  It  was  just  at  this  time  that  Capt. 
Sroufe  arrived  upon  the  ground  from  Concord,  with  the  detach 
ment  that  had  been  to  Kingston.  Leaving  their  horses  with 
the  others,  he  and  his  men  joined  the  regiment.  The  firing  on 
the  Lenoir  road  indicated  that  the  Union  army  was  falling 
back,  and  would  soon  be  above  the  forks  of  the  road.  Major 
Dow  directed  Lieut.  Thompson,  as  he  came  up,  to  return  to 
the  horses  and  move  them  as  quickly  as  possible  above  the 
junction  of  the  two  roads.  The  horses  were  moved  at  once, 
but  before  they  reached  the  road  the  rear  guard  of  the  9th 


AN  ENGAGEMEMT.  131 

Corps  had  fallen  back  beyond  that  point  —fighting  on  the-  re 
treat,  preserving  as  good  order  and  as  correct  time  as  if  on  a 
review. 

The  horses  were  in  great  danger,  but  just  then  the  Union 
artillery  opened  a  heavy  fire  on  the  advancing  rebel  lines  and 
gave  an  opportunity  to  remove  the  horses  out  of  danger,  and 
they  were  taken  to  a  position  to  the  right  and  rear  of  the  Un 
ion  lines. 

In  a  few  moments  Longstreet's  infantry  had  advanced  above 
the  forks  of  the  road,  and  the  112th  and  four  companies  of  the 
6th  Indiana  cavalry  were  below,  on  the  Kingston  road,  com 
pletely  cut  off  from  the  Union  army.  It  was  thought  they  had 
been  captured,  and  the  horse-holders  were  lamenting  the  fate 
of  their  officers  and  comrades,  when  troops  were  seen  emerg 
ing  from  the  woods  far  to  the  Union  right,  which  proved  to  be 
Major  Dow  with  his  command,  who  had  made  a  circuitous 
movement  through  the  timber  around  the  rebel  flank,  and  es 
caped  from  their  clutches.  During  the  battle  which  ensued 
the  112tli  occupied  a  position  in  reserve.  Co.  I,  in  command 
of  Lieut.  Lawrence,  acting  Provost  Marshal  of  the  brigade, 
was  on  duty  as  provost  guards,  arresting  stragglers  from  the 
whole  army,  and  performing  such  other  duties  as  usually  de 
volved  upon  provost  guards. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  loth,  Lieut.  Milchrist,  in  com 
mand  of  Co.  G,  had  been  ordered  to  march  rapidly  to  Lenoir 
with  his  company  and  report  for  duty  to  Gen.  Potter,  com 
manding  the  9th  Corps.  He  proceeded  to  Lenoir  and  reported 
at  once  to  Gen.  Potter,  who  directed  him  to  keep  his  men  well 
in  hand  and  await  orders.  During  the  night  the  9th  Corps 
retreated  toward  Campbell's  Station,  without  informing  Lieut. 
Milchrist  of  the  movement,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  16th 
the  company  was  still  at  Lenoir,  awaiting  orders— the  only 
Union  troops  remaining  there,  all  the  others  having  fallen 
back.  About  daylight  they  were  discovered  by  the  rebels,  who 
made  a  s  idden  and  furious  attack  upon  them,  with  the  evident 
intention  of  capturing  the  whole  company.  Taking  in  the  sit 
uation  at  a  glance,  Lieut.  Milchrist  and  his  men  beat  a  hasty 
retreat  t  >ward  Campbell's  Station,  and  overtook  the  rear  guard 
near  there,  about  9  o'clock.  The  loss  of  the  company  was 


132  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

John  W.  McMillan,  mortally  wounded  (died  Jan.  8) ;  William 
W.  Starboard,  wounded  and  captured ;  and  Eansom  D.  Fos 
ter  and  Andrew  P.  Folk  captured,  both  of  whom  died  in  rebel 
prison.  Michael  Nugent's  horse  was  killed,  but  he  succeeded 
in  getting  away ;  walked  to  Concord  and  thence  to  Campbell's 
Station,  and  two  days  later  was  killed  in  front  of  Knoxville. 

On  reaching  the  command,  Lieut.  Milchrist  learned,  for  the 
first  time,  that  Gen,  Burnside  had  requested  Gen.  Potter 
to  send  to  him  (Gen.  Burnside)  a  mounted  company  to  act  as 
escort  during  the  expected  battle,  and  Lieut.  Milchrist  had 
been  ordered  to  report  to  Gen.  Potter  for  that  purpose :  but 
the  latter,  instead  of  informing  him  at  once,  directed  Milchrist 
to  await  orders,  and  then  moved  off  and  left  the  company  in 
the  enemy's  lines  ;  and  as  the  donsequence  of  his  neglect  the 
company  lost  four  good  men.  On  learning  this,  Lieut.  Mil 
christ  at  once  reported  directly  to  Gen.  Burnside,  and  the  com 
pany  was  assigned  to  duty  as  escort.  During  the  battle,  and 
the  succeeding  night,  many  of  the  men  were  employed  in  car 
rying  dispatches,  a  perilous  duty,  but  they  performed  it  faith 
fully,  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  commanding  general.  The 
company  was  relieved,  and  rejoined  the  regiment  near  Knox 
ville,  on  the  morning  of  the  17th  of  November. 


CHAPTEE  XII. 

THE    BATTLE    OF   CAMPBELL'S     STATION. 

RETREAT   TO    KNOXVILLE. 

SEVERE    FIGHTING   IN    FRONT   OF   KNOXVILLE. 
ONE-THIRD  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS  KILLED,  WOUNDED  AND  MISSING. 

It  was  Gen.  Burnside's  intenion  to  retreat  to  Knoxville,  but 
Longstreet  was  pushing  forward  with  such  vigor  and  determi 
nation  that  the  Union  general  was  compelled  to  turn  upon  his 
pursuer  and  check  the  rebel  advance  in  order  to  save  his  trains 
and  supplies.  The  Union  line  had  barely  passed  the  junction 
of  the  two  roads  when  the  enemy  opened  a  vigorous  fire,  fol 
lowed  by  a  furious  assault  upon  the  whole  line.  The  Union 
troops  repulsed  them,  but  fell  back  to  a  new  line  of  defense, 
some  distance  in  rear  of  the  first  position,  and  there  prepared 
to  receive  the  enemy's  attack.  They  had  not  long  to  wait. 
The  heavy,  gray  columns  moved  steadily  forward- — but  they 
came  to  a  sudden  halt.  From  the  line  of  the  Union  batteries 
oh  the  hill,  shot  and  shell  and  grape  and  canister  were  hurled 
into  their  ranks,  mowing  wide  swaths  in  their  lines.  The  re 
bel  batteries  were  wheeled  into  position,  and  for  nearly  two 
hours  the  cannonading  was  terrific.  The  infantry,  on  either 
side,  watched  the  artillery  duel  with  eager  interest,  knowing 
full  well  that  when  that  ceased  then  would  come  the  tug  of  war 
between  the  infantry  forces. 

It  was  an  open-field  fight.  The  movements  of  each  army 
could  be  distinctly  seen ;  and  soon  the  Union  troops  knew  the 
rebel  column  was  preparing  for  a  charge,  On  they  came,  with 


184  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

fixed  bayonets,  shouting  and  yelling  like  demons ;  but  they 
met  such  a  withering  fire  from  the  Union  lines  that  they  halt 
ed,  hesitated,  and  were  driven  hack,  dismayed  at  their  fail 
ure.  To  halt,  to  hesitate,  to  waver,  is  certain  death  to  an 
assaulting  column.  To  succeed  it  must  be  kept  moving,  mov 
ing  forward.  It  cannot  stand  still,  in  an  open  field,  and  when 
it  ceases  to  move  forward  it  must  move  backward.  The  rebel 
column  fell  back,  reformed,  and  again  charged  upon  the  Union 
lines,  and  again  it  was  repulsed.  Every  attempt  to  dislodge 
the  Union  troops  proved  unavailing.  It  required  courage, 
neire,  to  withstand  these  repeated  furious  assaults,  but  the 
Union  soldiers  were  equal  to  the  occasion,  and  met  every 
charge  made  by  the  enemy's  assaulting  column  with  a  cool 
ness  and  deliberation  and  a  firmness  that  was  truly  heroic. 

Longstreet  attempted  to  flank  the  position  of  the  Union  ar 
my  by  sending  a  column  around  its  left  through  the  woods, 
but  the  batteries  opened  fire  into  them  at  left  oblique,  and  the 
movement  was  abandoned.  All  that  long  day  the  Union  army 
held  its  position,  and  at  dark  again  commenced  its  retreat  to 
ward  Knoxville  ;  and  the  112th  Illinois  was  designated  by  Gen. 
Burnside  as  the  rear  guard.  The  regiment  remained  in  posi 
tion,  and  after  all  the  other  troops  had  moved  to  the  rear, 
built  hundreds  of  camp-fires  on  the  hills  and  in  the  valleys  to 
deceive  the  enemy  and  make  him  believe  the  Union  army  had 
gone  into  camp.  Who  of  the  112th  can  ever  forget  that  long, 
wearisome,  toilsome  November  night  ? 

In  the  afternoon,  when  the  rebels  attempted  to  flank  the  Un 
ion  army,  Capt.  Dunn,  with  Co.  I),  in  command  of  Lieut.  'Grif 
fin,  and  Co.  F,  in  command  of  Lieut.  J.  G.  Armstrong,  of  the 
112th,  was  ordered  to  move  to  the  left  of  the  Union  position 
and  develop  the  movements  of  the  rebel  column  in  that  di 
rection.  Capt.  Dunn  moved  down  through  the  woods,  and 
soon  came  upon  detachments  of  rebels  moving  around  be 
tween  Campbell's  Station  and  Concord.  He  dismounted  and 
deployed  his  men,  and  remained  there,  watching  and  report 
ing  the  enemy's  movements,  and  engaged  in  a  sharp  skirmish, 
until  the  Union  army  fell  back  from  Campbell's  Station,  when 
the  rebels  advanced  with  such  force  he  was  compelled  to  fall 
back  to  the  main  road.  He  there  met  Gen.  Potter,  who  di- 


STAND  AT  CAMPBELL'S   STATION  135 

reeled  him  to  occupy  a  hill  on  the  Concord  road  and  hold  it 
until  further  orders.  The  Union  army  continued  to  march 
toward  Knoxville,  and  Capt.  Dunn  and  his  command  were  for 
gotten.  Neither  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  nor  Major  Dow  knew  where 
they  were,  and  so  could  not  relieve  them. 

The  rebels  were  moving  upon  the  detachment  in  front  and 
on  both  flanks,  and  the  prospect  of  a  trip  south  at  the  expense 
of  the  Confederacy  was  extremely  good.  Capt.  Dunn  was  urg 
ed  to  move  his  command  out  of  there,  while  he  could,  but  he 
refused  to  leave  his  post  without  orders.  Lieut.  Armstrong 
finally  sent  Benjamin  W.  Todd,  of  his  company,  to  inform 
Gen.  Potter  of  the  situation  and  ask  for  instructions  what  to 
do.  Todd  returned  in  a  remarkably  short  time  and  reported 
that  as  soon  as  he  had  informed  Gen.  Potter  that  tbe  detach 
ment  had  not  been  relieved,  the  general  ordered  him  to  return 
as  quickly  as  possible  and  direct  Capt.  Dunn  to  fall  back  at 
once  and  rejoin  his  regiment.  No  one,  except,  perhaps,  Capt. 
Dunn,  suspected  that  Todd  had  seen  Gen.  Potter,  but  he  cer 
tainly  saved  the  detachment  from  capture. 

It  was  nowrlong  after  dark.  A  rebel  force  of  infantry  was  on 
their  right  and  another  in  rear,  and  cavalry  in  front ;  while  a 
regiment  of  cavalry  was  in  position  to  charge  upon  them  if 
they  attempted  to  move  out  ,to  the  road.  They  were  in  a  tight 
place  but  the  darkness  saved  them.  They  tore  down  fences, 
crossed  the  fields,  eluded  the  rebel  cavalry,  readied  the  road 
above  and  rejoined  the  regiment.  The  rebels  opened  fire  upon 
them  when  they  discovered  the  movement,  but  fortunately  no 
one  was  hit.  The  two  companies,  in  command  of  Capt.  Dunn, 
acted  as  rear  guard  of  the  regiment  on  the  march  to  Knoxville. 

Wheeler's  cavalry  corps,  at  this  time  in  command  of  Gen. 
Martin,  infested  the  country  around  Knoxville,  and  made  sev 
eral  unsuccessful  attempts  to  capture  the  city,  which  was  de 
fended  by  a  force  under  Gen.  Saunders.  * 

During  the  battle  at  Campbell's  Station  Gen.  Burnside  sent 
a  telegraph  operator,  with  a  strong  guard,  to  tap  the  wires  near 
Concord  and  send  an  important  dispatch  to  Gen.  Saunders  at 
Knoxville.  After  several  ineffectual  attempts  to  reach  the  line, 
Gen.  Burnside  called  upon  Lieut.  Milchrist  for  a  brave,  reso 
lute  man  of  his  company,  with  a  good  horse,  to  carry  the  dis- 


18(5  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

patch  to  Knoxville.  John  Crowe  immediately  rode  forward 
and  volunteered  to  take  the  message  safely  into  Knoxville. 
Gen.  Burnside  informed  him  that  it  was  a  perilous  undertak 
ing,  that  it  might  result  in  his  capture  or  death,  but  that  the 
dispatch  was  an  inportant  one,  and  whatever  became  of  him, 
it  must  not,  under  any  circumstances,  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  Crowe  took  the  dispatch,  and  after  a  hard  ride 
and  several  narrow  escapes,  delivered  it  safely  to  Gen.  Saun- 
clers.  During  the  siege  of  Knoxville  Gen.  Bufiiside  sent  for 
Crowe  to  come  to  his  headquarters,  but  he  was  away  on  duty 
at  the  time  and  did  not  receive  the  message  until  his  return. 
He  then  reported  to  Gen.  Burnside's  headquarters,  but  the 
general  had  resigned  the  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Ohio 
and  left  the  department.  He,  however,  left  a  letter  for  Crowe, 
in  his  own  handwriting,  thanking  him  for  the  faithful  perform 
ance  of  the  trust  committed  to  him  on  the  16th  of  November, 
and  enclosing  fifty  dollars  which  he  begged  Crowe  to  accept 
as  a  personal  gift  from  himself  in  reward  for  his  brave  conduct 
on  that  occasion. 

On  the  retreat  from  Campbell's  Station  to  Knoxville,  Gen. 
Burnside  came  upon  an  abandoned  army  wagon,  which  block 
ed  the  road  and  prevented  the  passage  of  artillery,  and  other 
wagons  in  the  rear.  Immediately  dismounting,  he  requested 
his  escort  to  assist  him  in  turning  the  wagon  over  out  of  the 
road.  Several  Co.  G  men  hastened  to  the  wagon,  and  one  of 
them,  John  Humphrey,  who  boasted  of  his  strength,  took  hold 
of  the  hind  wheel  with  the  general.  The  general  gave  the 
word;  and  Humphrey  lifted  with  all  his  strength,  but  Burnside 
"turned  the  wheel  on  him,"  and  he  was  compelled  to  admit, 
with  considerable  chagrin,  that  the  general  was  "a  better  man" 
than  himself. 

These  incidents  are  mentioned  as  apt  illustrations  of  Burn- 
side's  thoughtfulness  of  the  "common  soldier,"  and  his  readi 
ness  to  share  with  him  the  perils  and  hardships  of  war — char 
acteristics  which  endeared  him  to  the  whole  army. 

Capt.  Otman  was  at  Low's  Ferry,  when  the  firing  of  artillery 
at  Campbell's  Station  warned  him  that  a  battle  was  in  pro 
gress,  and  that  the  position  of  the  rebel  army  endangered  his 
picket  posts.  He  immediately  started  down  the  river  to  relieve 


TAPPING  TELEGRAPH  WIRES.  137 

them  ;  but  on  reaching  Serg.  Gharrett's  past,  found  the  reb 
els  were  in  force  between  there  and  Serg.  Dixon 's  post,  and 
that  there  was  no  escape  for  Dixon.  and  his  men  unless  they 
could  cross  the  river  and  move  up  on  the  east  side.  The  en 
emy's  troops  were  advancing,  and  Gharrett's  post  was  with 
drawn  barely  in  time  to  escape  capture,  as  they  were  tired  up 
on  by  rebel  cavalry  as  they  moved  out  of  the  bend  of  the  river. 

All  the  posts  except  Sergt.  Dixon's  were  withdrawn  and  con 
centrated  at  a  cross-road  a  mile  south  of  Low's  Ferry.  Pickets 
were  thrown  out,  and  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  Corporal 
David  Fast  and  Josiah  Umbaugh  were  dispatched  for  orders. 
They  returned  at  ten  o'clock  with  the  information  that  the  Un 
ion  army  was  retreating  toKnoxville,  and  with  orders  to  Capt. 
Otman  to  report  there  as  soon  as  possible.  They  then  proceed 
ed  on  a  blind,  unfrequented  road  along  the  river ;  struck  the 
main  road  five  miles  below  the  city,  and  rejoined  the  regiment 
about  five  o'clock  the  next  morning. 

Serg.  Dixon  and  his  men  were  captured.  They  were  taken 
to  Atlanta,  thence  to  Belle  Isle,  and  thence  to  Anderson ville. 
Many  of  them  never  returned,  and  of  those  who  did  few  have 
ever  fully  recovered  from  the  horrible  sufferings  endured  in 
rebel  prisons..  The  following  are  the  names  of  the  men  cap 
tured  : 

Serg.  Solomon  Dixon,*  Corporal  Andrew  Fantz ;  William 
B.  Barr,*  John  Cole,*  Charles  B.  Davis,*  James  Elston,*  No 
ah  Fantz,*  Jonathan  Graves,  Stephen  W.  Green,  Charles  W. 
Hart,  William  Holgate,  David  Kerns,  William  H.  Morgan, 
George  0.  Marlatt,*  George  Wr.  Nicholas,  James  Bay,*  Simon 
Kay,*  William  Bay,  Michael  Spjinger*  and  John  D.  Swain.* 

William  Bay  died  in  the  United  States  Hospital  at  Balti 
more,  Maryland,  a  few  days  after  his  exchange,  of  disease  con 
tracted  in  rebel  prison. 

Serg.  Dixon  has  been  blamed  for  not  exercising  his  own 
judgment  and  falling  back,  when  he  saw  that  his  post  would 
be  cut  off  and  captured.  He  wras  urged  to  do  so,  but  like 
Capt.  Dunn,  he  refused  to  leave  his  post  without  orders.  He 
was  a  good  soldier  and  a  faithful  officer,  and  believed  in  strict 

*Died  in  rebel  prison. 


138  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

obedience  of  orders — usually  considered  a  virtue  instead  of  a 
fault. 

The  only  loss  of  the  112th  on  the  16th,  besides  the  casualties 
in  Companies  G  and  E,  was  one  man  wounded,  Corporal  Allen 
Woods  of  Co.  C.  Capt.  Dunn's  horse  was  killed  under  him  in 
the  morning,  and  several  other  horses  were  wounded. 

The  command  marched  all  night,  over  roads  that  in  many 
places  seemed  to  be  bottomless,  and  reached  Knoxville  at  day 
light  on  the  morning  of  the  17th.  The  112th  was  ordered  to 
picket  the  Campbell's  Station  road,  and  the  regiment  occupied 
a  position  about  two  miles  from  town — Companies  K,  G  and  B 
on  the  extreme  outpost. 

Early  in  the  morning,  Col.  Wolford  with  the  1st  Kentucky 
cavalry  and  the  45th  Ohio  mounted  infantry,  moved  down  the 
road  to  meet  the  enemy.  He  had  not  far  to  go.  The  fierce 
rattle  of  musketry  indicated  that  he  had  found  the  rebels  and 
that  they  were  driving  him  in.  He  fell  back  and  occupied  a 
position  on  a  hill  in  rear  of  the  pickets,  where  the  llth  and 
12th  Kentucky  regiments  were  in  reserve.  On  came  the  rebel 
advance,  and  attacked  and  drove  the  outpost  back  upon  the 
regiment.  On  they  came  in  overpowering  numbers,  and  the 
regiment  fell  back,  in  considerable  confusion,  to  Wolford's  line. 
The  rebels  followed  up  their  advantage  with  a  furious  assault, 
and  the  Union  line  wavered  and  broke. 

Sergeant  John  L.  Jennings,  the  112th  Color  Bearer,  accom 
panied  by  the  color  guard,  rushed  forward  and  planted  the 
colors  on  the  hill.  The  rebels  opened  lire  on  them,  and  James 
J.  Inglis,  of  Co.  C,  was  instantly  killed.  The  others  escaped 
unharmed.  The  112th  quickly  rallied  around  the  flag,  and  the 
memy's  guns  being  empty,  one  well-directed  volley  sent  them 
reeling  back  to  the  foot  of  the  hill.  The  rest  of  the  Union 
h'oops  recovered  their  position,  and  the  line  held  the  hill  all  day, 
engaged  in  heavy  skirmishing  with  the  enemy,  and  meeting  with 
considerable  loss.  At  night  the  112th  was  relieved  and  retir 
ed  to  the  city,  to,  rest  and  obtain  rations ;  having  had  nothing 
to  eat  since  leaving  Campbell's  Station,  and  very  little  there. 

The  casualties  of  the  regiment  on  the  17th  were  two  men 
killed — Corporal  Eobert  Corkhill,  of  Co.  G,  and  James  J.  Inglis, 
of  Co.  C  ;  one  mortally  wounded — Jonas  S.  Rogers,  of  Co.  D, 


THE  MISGUIDED  ENEMY.  139 

(died  Nov.  18) ;  and  four  severely  wounded — -John  Winters,  of 
Co.  A,  (died  of  wounds  April  21,  1864),  Henry  C.  Morris,  of 
Co.  C,  John  Oldaker,  of  Co.  E,  and  Charles  H.  W.  Payne,  of 
Co.  D ;  and  one  slightly  wounded — Frederick  Kukuk,  of  Co. 
A  ;  total  eight. 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  18th  the  8th  Michigan 
cavalry,  and  the  112th  Illinois  in  command  of  Major  Dow, 
of  the  2d  Brigade,  and  the  45th  Ohio,  all  under  the  command 
of  Gen.  Saunders,  moved  out  on  foot,  leaving  every  fifth  man 
to  take  care  of  the  horses,  and  occupied  the  position  of  the 
night  before— the  8th  Michigan  on  the  left,  with  its  right  rest 
ing  on  the  road,  the  112th  in  the  center,  with  its  left  resting  on 
the  road,  and  the  45th  Ohio  on  the  right.  The  position  of  the 
45th  Ohio  and  the  112th  Illinois  was  along  the  top  of  a  low 
ridge,  behind  a  light  rail  fence.  A  short  distance  in  front  was  a 
ravine,  or  narrow  valley,  through  which  ran  a  creek,  nearly  par 
allel  with  the  ridge  ;  on  the  opposite  side  and  within  musket 
range  was  a  range  of  hills,  or  bluffs,  higher  than  the  position 
of  the  Union  line,  which  was  occupied  by  the  Confederates. 
The  position  of  the  8th  Michigan  on  the  east  side  of  the  road 
was  on  lower  ground,  and  in  its  front  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
creek  was  a  hill  higher  than  the  others,  on  which  stood  a  fine 
brick  residence,  near  the  road.  The  position  was  about  one 
mile  from  the  outskirts  of  the  city.  In  rear  of  the  112th  was 
an  orchard,  and  back  of  the  orchard  another  ravine  and  creek, 
called  Second  Creek,  very  similar  to  that  in  front.  A  short 
distance  to  the  left  of  the  8th  Michigan  was  timber.  Gen. 
Saunders  was  directed  to  hold  this  position,  at  all  hazards, 
until  noon.  His  whole  force  did  not  exce  ed  six  hundred  men. 
The  morning  was  very  foggy,  and  the  positions  of  the  contend 
ing  forces  could  not  be  seen  by  the  opposite  side. 

About  ten  o'clock  the  fog  raised  and  revealed  to  the  Confed 
erates  the  position  and  strength  of  the  Union  troops,  and  they 
at  once  opened  a  vigorous  fire  with  musketry,  which  was  re 
turned  with  equal  vigor.  Sharpshooters  occupied  the  brick 
house  on  the  hill,  and  one  of  them  was  killed  by  a  musket  ball 
from  the  112th.  After  severe  skirmishing  for  an  hour  or  more, 
the  rebels  moved  a  column  down  the  hill  into  the  ravine,  and 
prepared  to  charge.  The  bluff  protected  them  from  the  fire  of 


140  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

the  Union  troops — concealing  them  from  view — and  they  form 
ed  their  column  and  made  preparations  for  the  charge  in  per 
fect  safety.  When  all  was  ready  they  moved  up  the  hluff,  and 
on  they  came,  with  that  peculiar,  indescribable,  never-to-be- 
forgotten  rebel  yell ;  but  they  met  a  well-directed,  withering 
tire  from  the  boys  in  blue,  and  were  driven  back  under  cover 
of  the  bluff.  From  this  time  until  noon  severe  skirmishing 
continued  with  the  forces  on  the  opposite  hills,  and  then  for 
an  hour  or  more  the  tiring  nearly  ceased,  and  the  two  lines  lay 
there  watching  each  other.  Gen.  Saunders  might  have  with 
drawn  his  command  at  this  time  with  little  loss  ;  but  he  deter 
mined  to  hold  the  enemy  in  check  as  long  as  possible,  to  give 
more  time  to  the  army  in  rear  to  complete  the  defences  of  the 
city. 

About  half  past  one  o'clock  the  enemy  planted  four  pieces 
of  artillery  on  the  hill,  near  the  brick  building,  and  opened  fire 
with  shot  and  shell.  The  first  shot  mortally  wounded  Capt. 
A.  A.  Lee  and  killed  Thomas  Nowers,  of  Co.  A,  of  the  112th. 
For  two  long  hours  the  line  of  Union  troops  lay  there,  without 
artillery  to  reply — helpless — and  received  the  fire  of  the  rebel 
guns.  The  formation  of  the  ground  was  such  that  the  8th 
Michigan  and  the  left  wing  of  the  112th  were  protected  from 
the  artillery  fire — the  guns  could  not  be  depressed  sufficiently 
to  reach  them — but  the  right  wing  of  the  112th  and  the  45th 
Ohio  suffered  severely. 

About  half  past  three  the  rebels  formed  a  column  in  the  ra 
vine,  three  lines  deep,  and  charged  fiercely  upon  the  Union 
line,  but  were  repulsed  with  heavy  loss.  They  fell  back,  re 
formed  and  charged  again,  and  were  again  repulsed.  Again 
they  advanced  to  the  charge.  The  Union  troops  were  direct 
ed  to  hold  their  fire  until  the  advancing  line  was  within  easy 
range,  and  then  to  take  good  aim  and  fire  to  kill.  The  enemy 
misunderstood  the  motive  for  withholding  the  fire ;  they  be 
lieved  the  Union  troops  wished  to  surrender,  and  a  Confeder- 
rate  colonel  rode  forward  alone,  right  up  to  the  line,  and  called 
out :  "Lay  down  your  arms,  boys  ;  you  can't  get  out  of  here  ; 
you  will  all  be  killed ;  we  will  take  good  care  of  you ;  you  had 
better  surrender  ! "  Eider  and  horse  fell  together,  pierced  by 
a  dozen  Union  bullets. 


KILLED  AND  WOUNDED.  141 

Maddened  by  the  death  of  their  leader,  the  rebels  charged 
with  redoubled  fury,  but  again  they  were  repulsed  and  driven 
back  over  the  bluff.  In  the  meantime  they  had  moved  anoth 
er  column  up  the  ravine,  around  the  right  liauk  of  the  Un 
ion  line,  and  now  came  charging  down  obliquely  in  rear,  and 
at  the  same  time  again  in  front.  Just  at  this  time  (4  o'clock) 
Gen.  Saunders  was  me  really  wounded  and  carried  off  the 
field.  The  45th  Ohio,  being  in  the  greatest  danger,  was  the 
first  to  break.  The  two  advancing  lines  formed  a  wedge,  and 
there  was  but  one  way  for  them  to  escape — to  make  a  rapid 
movement  by  the  left  flank.  Major  Dow  saw  that  the  whole 
force  would  be  captured  in  a  very  few  minutes,  and  he  gave 
the  order,  in  clear,  ringing  tones,  to  fall  back. 

Back  through  the  orchard  they  rushed,  followed  by  solid 
shot  and  shrieking  shells,  down  across  Second  Creek  and  up 
on  the  opposite  side.  Most  of  the  8th  Michigan  and  some  of 
the  112th  "took  to  the  woods"  on  the  left,  to  get  out  of  range 
of  the  artillery,  and  going  around,  joined  the  command  on  the 
hill  above.  A  position  was  taken  some  distance  in  front  of 
the  fort  (afterwards  named  Fort  Saunders,  in  honor  of  Gen. 
Saunders)  and  Lieut.  Milclirist  with  Co.  G,  and  Lieut.  Thomp 
son  with  Co.  B,  occupied  a  large  brick  dwelling  house,  between 
the  Union  and  rebel  lines,  to  watch  the  rebels  and  prevent 
them  from  occupying  it  with  sharpshooters,  and  remained 
there  until  dark.  This  building  was  afterwards  burned  to  pre 
vent  the  rebel  sharpshooters  from  occupying  it,  as  it  was  with 
in  range  of  the  fort. 

The  rebels  advanced  their  lines  through  the  orchard  to  the 
bluff  south  of  the  creek,  and  the  day's  work  was  done. 

The  loss  of  the  112th  Illinois  in  this  day's  work  was  fifteen 
killed,  eight  mortally  wounded,  forty-one  wounded — many  se 
verely — three  wounded  and  captured,  and  nine  captured ;  a 
total  of  seventy-six,  as  follows  : 

KILLED. 

Co.  A— John  Hords,  Jesse  H.  Morgan  and  Thomas  Nowers. 
Co.  F— Serg.  William  P,  Finley,  Corporal   William  C.  Bell 
and  John  Kendall. 

Co.  I)-— Corporal  Henry  Carl,    Corporal  Cyrus  F.   Foote, 


142  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Reuben   Cahon,    Patrick   Griffin,   William  A.  A.  Martin  and 
Theodore  M.  Penny. 

Co.  C — Corporal  George  McCausland. 

Co.  H — Serg.  Alonzo  B.  Stetson,  Color-Guard. 

Co.  G— Michael  Nugent. 

MORTALLY    WOUNDED. 

Co.  A — Capt.  Asa  A.  Lee  ;  died  the  same  day. 

Co.  F—  Elmore  Barnhill,  Glaus  Forss  (died  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy  Nov.  19th),  and  Aaron  Ridle  (died  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy). 

Co.  D— Martin  Y.  Cole  (died  Nov.  19th). 

Co.  C— John  Davis  (died  Nov.  19th). 

Co.  E— David  Wandling  (died  Nov.  19th). 

Co.  K — Corporal  John  Murray  (died  Nov.  26th). 

WOUNDED. 

Capt.  A.  A.  Dunn,  Co.  I),  acting  as  Field  Officer  of  the  reg 
iment,  slightly. 

Co.  A — Corporal  James  M.  Bice,  and  Philip  J.  Wintz  (cap 
tured  and  escaped). 

Co.  F — Lieut.  George  C.  Maxfield,  Nathaniel  Crabtree  (se 
verely),  George  G.  Stone,  James  E.  Gelviii,  Alfred  C.  Ballen- 
tine,  John  W.  Curfman  and  James  Essex. 

Co..D— Sergt.  A.  B.  Laft'erty  (slightly),  Alexander  Beath, 
Eben  G.  Woodward  (wounded  and  captured),  Ezra  Adkins 
(severely),  David  Mallory  (severely),  Martin  E.  Lowry  (severe 
ly),  James  M.  Baird  (slightly),  and  James  Stitt  (slightly). 

Co.  C — Capt.  J.  B.  Mitchell,  two  wounds  ;  Corporal  John  D. 
Hill,  Color-Guard,  (slightly),  Griffith  Shreck  (severely),  Thom 
as  J.  Atwater  (severely  and  captured),  Benton  W.  Godfrey 
(slightly)  and  George  McConnell  (slightly). 

Co.  H — Sergt.  John  L.  Jennings,  Color-Bearer,  Corporals 
Abner  Norman  (severely)  and  Anchew  T.  W.  Chalmers  (slight 
ly). 

Co.  E— Serg.  John  E.  Gharrett  (slightly). 

Co.  K — Lieut.  Jacob  Bush  (slightly),  Jabez  Bartlett,  Charles 
Crommett  (severely),  Conrad  E.  Smith  (severely),  Nathan 
Smith  (slightly),  Joseph  Sneller  and  John  Wahl. 

Co.  G — Serg.  Thomas  J.    Townsend    (slightly),    Corporal 


CAKEFUL  PRESERVATION  OF  PRISONERS.         143 

Thomas  J.  McClellan  (severely),   George  TV.  Hempstead  and 
Hiram  W.  Hubbard  (both  slightly). 

Co.  B — Andrew  J.  Erode  (severely),  and  Joseph  Fleming 
(slightly). 

Captured,  besides  those  wounded  and  captured : 

Co.  A — Nathan  H.  Cole,  Andrew  J.  Davis,  Tester  Goble, 
Salem  B.  Giles  and  Luther  M.  Harrington. 

Co.  I) — Lieut.  H.  G.  Griffin  and  Holmes  N.  Tillson. 

Co.  C — Wesley  Crigler. 

Co.  H— Peter  Hoen. 

The  112th  had  but  two  hundred  and  eleven  men  on  the 
field,  and  lost  more  than  one-third  in  killed,  wounded  and  miss 
ing. 

Co.  I  was  not  in  the  engagement,  but  was  stationed  in  rear 
of  the  line,  in  command  of  Lieut.  Lawrence — then  acting  as 
Provost  Marshal  of  the  brigade  in  addition  to  other  staff  du 
ties—as  Provost  Guards.  First  Serg.  Harry  Fones,  however, 
was  hit  by  a  musket  ball  from  a  long-range  gun  in  the  hands 
of  a  rebel  sharpshooter  with  such  force  that  he  was  knocked 
down,  senseless,  but  soon  returned  to  consciousness.  The  ball 
struck  the  company  roll-book  in  his  pocket,  and  that  doubtless 
saved  his  life. 

Lieut.  Griffin  was  taken  prisoner  while  engaged  in  an  effort 
to  support .  the  45th  Ohio,  which  was  nearly  surrounded  and 
the  whole  regiment  in  great  danger  of  being  captured.  He  was 
taken  to  Atlanta,  and  thence  by  way  of  Augusta,  Georgia,  to 
Richmond,  Virginia,  where,  on  the  first  day  of  December,  1863, 
he  was  incarcerated  in  Libby  Prison.  He  remained  in  Libby 
until  May  7,  1864,  when,  with  about  twelve  hundred  other  of 
ficers,  he  was  taken  to  Macon,  Ga.,  and  remained  there  until 
Sherman's  guns  began  to  thunder  about  Atlanta,  and  the  reb 
el  government  feared  he  might  liberate  the  prisoners,  when 
they  were  moved  to  Charleston,  S.  C.,  and  on  the  17th  of  Aug 
ust  wrere  lodged  in  the  jail  yard  of  that  city  and  kept  there  un 
til  Oct.  6th,  when  they  were  again  moved,  for  greater  safety, 
to  Columbia,  S.  C.  Here  they  were  strongly  guarded  in  an 
open  field  until  Dec.  12,  1864,  when,  having  been  brought  to 
the  verge  of  insanity  by  disease,  cruel  treatment  and  starva 
tion,  the  rebel  authorities  decided,  by  their  conduct  rather  than 


144  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

words,  that  the  prisoners  were  proper  subjects  for  the  insane 
asylum,  and  moved  them  to  the  State  institution  for  such  un 
fortunates.  They  were  confined  here  until  Sherman's  advance 
through*the  Carolinas  again  warned  the  rebels  of  approaching 
danger ;  and  on  the  17th  of  February,  1855,  when  Sherman 
was  within  fifteen  miles  of  Columbia,  the  prisoners  were  mov 
ed  to  Charlotte,  N.  C.,  and  a  few  days  later  to  Baleigh,  and 
thence  in  a  few  days  to  Goldsboro,  N.  C.  There  seemed  to  be 
no  rest  for  the  soles  of  their  feet ;  but  here  the  rebels  them 
selves  became  discouraged,  and  to  keep  the  prisoners  out  of 
the  way  of  the  advancing  forces  of  Sherman  and  Schofield, 
paroled  them  and  sent  them  to  Wilmington,  where  Lieut.  Grif 
fin,  more  dead  than  alive,  again  met  the  regiment,  and  of 
course  was  heartily  welcomed.  He  went  from  Wilmington  to 
Annapolis,  Md.,  where  he  was  exchanged  on  the  26th  of  April, 
1865,  and  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.  He  was 
mustered  out  with  his  company  on  the  20th  of  June,  1865,  and 
returned  home  with  his  old  comrades  in  arms,  beat  his  sword 
into  a  pruning  hook,  and  he  finds  it  more  congenial  employ 
ment  pruning  his  apple  trees  than  tramping  through  the  South 
ern  Confederacy  as  a  prisoner  of  war. 

WTesley  Crigler  of,  Co.  C,  escaped  from  the  rebel  prison  at 
Florence,  S.  C.,  joined  Sherman's  army  near  Savannah,  Ga., 
and  marched  with  it  to  Goldsboro,  N.  C.,  where  he  rejoined 
his  company  on  the  28d  of  March,  1865. 

During  the  fighting  many  incidents  occurred — some  serious, 
some  laughable — but  space  will  not  permit  mention  of  them. 
There  were  many  acts  of  real  heroism,  too — one  of  which  was 
the  case  of  David  Bidenour  of  Co.  D,  who,  having  been  on 
mounted  picket  the  night  previous,  was  excused  from  duty — 
as  were  other  pickets,  and  left  in  town.  When  the  firing  com 
menced  he  left  camp,  without  orders,  and  ran  the  whole  dis 
tance  out  to  the  regiment,  "to  have  a  hand  in  the  fight"  — as 
he  expressed  it. 

Charles  Crommett,  of  Co.  K,  was  unwell,  and  had  a  present 
iment  that  he  would  be  hit.  Capt.  Colcord  directed  him  to  go 
in  and  exchange  places  with  a  horse  holder.  He  had  not  the 
moral  courage  to  leave  the  line  in  time  of  action— staid— and 
lost  a  leg. 


AFTER  THE  FIGHT.  145 

Capt.  Mitchell  was  hit  on  the  front  of  the  temporal  bone- 
just  outside  of  the  eye — the  hall  glancing  and  passing  hack, 
on  the  side  of  the  head,  over  the  ear — leaving  an  ugly  looking 
mark  in  its  course — and  causing  him  to  spin  around  like  atop. 
A  sixteenth  of  an  inch  nearer  the  eye,  and  the  hall  would  have 
crashed  through  the  skull.  An  officer  standing  near  him  ex 
amined  the  wound  and  remarked,  "Well,  Cap.,  it  came  - 
near  missing  you,  didn't  it?" 

The  45th  Ohio  suffered  severely,  losing  about  the  same  num 
ber  of  men  as  the  112th,  most  of  them  on  the  last  charge.  The 
8th  Michigan  lost  fewer  men — its  position  being  such  that  the 
rebel  artillery  could  not  reach  them.  The  112th  bore  the 
brunt  of  the  conflict,  as  the  numerous  assaults  of  the  enemy 
were  made  upon  the  center.  The  front  line  of  the  rebel  force 
making  the  charges  in  our  front  consisted  of  the  3d  South  Car 
olina,  the  4th  Mississippi  and  the  1st  Texas  regiments  of  in 
fantry. 

When  Longstreet  made  the  assault  on  Fort  Saunders,  on 
the  '29th  of  November,  Lieut.  Col.  O'Brien,  of  the  4th  Mississ 
ippi  regiment,  was  severely  wounded  and  captured.  He  was  a 
brother  of  Parson  Brownlow's  wife — as  bitter  a  rebel  as  Brown- 
low  Avas  a  firm  Unionist.  By  Gen.  Burnside's  permission  he 
was  taken  to  Brownlow's  residence,  where  several  officers  of 
the  112th  called  on  him.  He  informed  them  that  when  the 
Confederate  colonel  rode  forward  to  our  line,  on  the  18th,  and 
demanded  our  surrender,  they  supposed  the  I'nion  troops  had 
hud  down  their  arms  and  wished  to  surrender.  At  first  they 
thought  the  Union  line  was  composed  of  new  troops,  who 
"didn't  know  enough  to  run,"  and  that  all  they  had  to  do  was 
to  "go  up  and  take  them  in."  After  this  notion  had  been  dis 
pelled,  the  assaulting  column  made  it  a  matter  of  "personal 
honor"  to  break  the  center  of  the  line,  but  it  failed,  until  the 
Hanking  column  had  routed  the  45th  Ohio  and  endangered  the 
whole  i'ne.  O'Brien  said  he  had  never  witnessed  a  braver  or 
more  obstinate  defense  than  that  made  by  the  112th  Illinois 
on  tli-i-  occasion. 

(leu.  Saunders   died  on  the  19th;  a  brave,  generous,  noble 
soldier,  popular  with  the  whole  army,  and  especially  so  with 
-10 


140  HISTOEY  OF  THE   112TH  ILLINOIS. 

the  112th  Illinois.  Almost  his  last  words  were  in  praise  of  the 
112th,  and  he  said  he  would  like  to  live  to  go  with  it  through 
the  war. 

Capt.  Lee  died  on  the  evening  of  the  18th,  after  the  most  in 
tense  suffering — he  having  been  literally  torn  to  pieces.  He 
died  as  he  had  lived,  bravely  and  honorably.  He  was  a  gal 
lant  officer,  a  brave  soldier,  an  honorable  man ;  and  he  gave 
his  life  to  the  cause  he  loved  without  a  murmur — his  only  re 
gret  being  that  the  country  would  lose  his  services. 

"We  buried  him  darkly  ;  at  dead  of  night  : 

The  sods  with  our  bayonets  turning, 
By  the  struggling  moonbeam's  misty  light, 

And  the  lantern  dimly  burning. 

"No  useless  coffin  enclosed  his  breast, 

Nor  in  sheet  nor  in  shroud  we  wound  him  ; 

But  lie  lay — like  a  warrior  taking  his  rest— 
With  his  martial  cloak  around  him. 

"Slowly  and  sadly  we  laid  him  down, 

From  the  field  of  his  fame  fresh  and  gory  ! 

We  carved  not  a  line,  we  raised  not  a  stone, 
But  left  him  alone  in  his  glory  ! " 

Lieut.  John  L.  Dow  was  promoted  to  Captain  of  Co.  A,  Sec 
ond  Lieutenant,  James  P.  McChesney  to  First'  Lieutenant, 
and  First  Serg.  Leander  U.  Browning  to  Second  Lieutenant ; 
commissions  dated  March  5th,  1864,  to  rank  from  Nov.  18th, 
1863. 

At  8  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  18th,  the  right  wing  of  the 
112th  was  relieved  from  duty  and  moved  into  the  city  to  rest, 
and  the  left  wing  remained  on  picket. 

At  3  o'clock  the  next  morning  the  right  relieved  the  left  wing, 
and  the  latter  moved  into  town.  The  right  companies  were 
relieved  at  10  o'clock,  and  for  the  first  time  in  many  days  the 
112th  was  permitted  to  lay  quietly  in  camp,  on  the  19th,  and 
listen  to  heavy  skirmishing  with  the  enemy,  without  partici 
pating  in  it. 

And  now  commenced  the  "Siege  of  Knoxville." 

Since  writing  the  foregoing  chapter  the  author  lias  received 


MAJOR  DOW'S  LETTER.  147 

a  copy  of  a  letter  written  by  Major  Dow  to  his  wife,  from 
Beau's  Station,  after  the  siege  of  Knoxville,  and  he  appends 
the  following  extract,  commencing  with  the  battle  of  Camp 
bell's  Station  on  the  Kith  of  November : 

"The  battle  continued  until  darkness  put  an  end  to  it.  The 
whole  .army  then  commenced  a  retreat  to  Knoxville,  our  bri 
gade  (the  only  cavalry  present)  as  rear  guard.  The  enemy 
gained  no  advantage  in  this  day's  fight,  but  Gen.  Burnside  had 
intended  to  make  his  stand  at  Knoxville.  The  artillery  fight 
ing  was  grand — not  less  than  seventy-five  pieces  belching  their 
thunder,  and  completely  filling  the  air  with  their  scorching 
missiles  at  once.  We  reached  within  one  mile  of  Knoxville  a 
little  after  daylight,  when  I  was  sent  back  to  skirmish  and  re 
tard  the  advance  o*  the  enemy— no  time  even  to  dismount  our 
worn  out  men,  now  forty-eight  hours  marching  and  fighting 
without  a  moment's  rest.  We  found  them  about  four  miles 
back,  and  held  them  until  we  were  reinforced  by  three  regiments 
of  cavalry  from  Knoxville  under  Gen.  Sauiiders.  About  twelve 
o'clock  their  artillery  came  up  and  wre  slowly  fell  back,--  skirm 
ishing,  about  two  miles,  and  then  made  a  stand,  dismounting 
and  taking  position  on  a  gentle  eminence  entirely  bare  of  trees. 
Their  infantry  made  one  charge  but  were  repulsed.  We  lay 
upon  our  arms  during  the  night,  having  sent  our  horses  inside 
the  line  of  earthworks.  We  had  many  horses  shot  to-day,  but 
our  loss  of  men  was  not  large.  The  morning  of  the  18th  found 
us  under  arms  occupying  the  same  position  of  the  night  of  the 
17th.  A  dense  fog  hid  the  enemy  from  our  sight  and  delayed 
the:  fearful  work — but  it  came  soon  enough.  We  occupied  the 
center  of  the  line,  my  right  resting  on  the  top  of  the  hill  and 
extending  down -its  left  slope ;  the  45th  Ohio  held  the  right 
slope  and-  the  8th  Michigan  were  in  position  from  my  left  to 
the  Holston  River.  Col.  Pennypacker's  brigade  was  stationed 
next  oh  the  right  of  this  line,  and  Wolford's  brigade  was  held 
somewjieie  to  our  right.  About  9  o'clock  the  fog  had  almost 
disappeared.  iWe  had' moved  a  rail  fence  in  front  of  our  line, 
making  a  slight  protection.  Suddenly  our  skirmish  line  was 
rapidly  driven  in.  The  eliemy  had  formed  in  a  narrow  valley 
in  our  immediate  front,  beyond  which,  and  in  easy  rifle  range, 
they,  now  were.  The  force  which  now  occupied  the  ravine 


148  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

came  up  with  deafening  yells,  but  our  deadly  volleys  sent  them 
back  with  severe  loss.  The  45th  Ohio  fell  back  under  the 
shock,  but  the  112th  and  the  8th  Michigan  stood  fast.  Their 
dead  and  wounded  lay  in  front  of  our  lines.  Some  of  the  lat 
ter  crawled  in  to  us  and  surrendered. 

"The  musketry  was  very  heavy,  at  intervals,  until  12  o'clock, 
noon,  when  they  opened  upon  us  with  two  batteries,  but  we 
held  our  position.  At  2  o'clock  the  enemy  moved  their  bat 
teries  down  to  within  six  hundred  yards,  but  we  still  staid  right 
there.  We  soon  saw  heavy  columns  pass  down  in  the  ravine 
in  our  front.  I  knew  what  was  coming  and  had  our  bayonets 
fixed.  They  came  up,  four  lines  deep,  with  their  usual  yell 
when  charging,  to  within  twenty-five  yards  of  our  lines.  But 
mortal  man  could  not  stand  the  terrible  shower  of  minnie  balls 
which  met  them.  They  fell  back  in  disorder.  Again  and 
again  they  came  on,  but  only  to  retire  in  disorder,  and  I 
thought  they  would  not  again  try  us,  but  I  was  deceived.  They 
came  up  this,  the  fourth  time,  led  by  Col.  Vance,  a  South  Car 
olinian,  commanding  the  brigade.  He  rode  up  at  the  head  of 
his  columns,  and  when  within  thirty  yards,  ordered  me  to  sur 
render  our  colors.  I  politely  told  him  to  go  to  h — 11,  and  or 
dered  Sergeant  Williams,  of  Co.  A,  to  shoot  him,  but  others 
fired  at  him  and  he  fell  dead  in  our  front.  They  again  fell 
back.  But  the  45th  Ohio,  overpowered,  was  driven  from  the 
field.  That  portion  of  their  line  which  confronted  the  45th 
passed  around  my  right  flank  and  came  up  in  the  rear  of 
the  right,  and  I  gave  the  order  to  fall  back.  General  Saunders 
was  killed  a  few  moments  before,  a  few  rods  from  us,  and  some 
of  my  men  carried  him  off  the  field.  We  formed  again  on  an 
other  hill  about  eighty  rods  back,  but  the  enemy  was  satisfied, 
and  except  one  skirmish  there  was  no  more  fighting  that  day. 
Not  a  man  left  the  field  until  ordered  to.  Many  of  the  regi 
ment  were  taking  care  of  the  horses  and  on  other  duty.  I  had 
but  two  hundred  and  eleven  men  on  the  field,  and  you  will  see 
the  list  enclosed  gives  seventy-six  killed,  wounded  and  missing 

-more  than  one-third,  and  there  are  but  four  missing  who  are 
not  either  killed  or  wounded,  and  all  except  Lieut.  Griffin  and 
Yester  Goble,  Wesley  Crigler  and  Holmes  Tillson,  of  the  miss 
ing,  are  probably  kiMed.  A  flag  of  truce  was  sent  in  and  the 


MAJOR  DOW'S  LETTEK.  140 

wounded  exchanged.  I  can  a<Jd  nothing  to  the  above  in  rela 
tion  to  this  sanguinary  light ;  to  lose  one-third  killed  and 
wounded  is  saying  all  that  can  be  said.  We  again  lay  upon 
the  field,  in  our  new  position,  the  night  of  the  18th  and  until 
ten  o'clock  of  the  19th,  when  we  were  relieved  and  did  no  more 
lighting  during  the  siege.  We  occupied  a  hill,  which  we  strong 
ly  fortified,  and  no  one  molested  us.  The  morning  of  Dec.  5th 
we  received  orders  to  "boot  and  saddle",  and  with  the  other 
cavalry  regiments  to  follow  the  enemy.  We  have  followed  to 
this  place  ;  some  skirmishing  every  day." 


CHAPTEPv  XIII. 

THE    SIEGE    OF    KNOXVILLE. 
ASSAULT    ON    FOIIT    SAUNDEUS — RELIEF    OF  THE    GARRISON. 

There  was  considerable  sharp  skirmishing  and  some  artille 
ry  tiring  on  November  '20th,  but  no  serious  fighting.  Long- 
street's  army  could  be  seen  going  into  position  on  the  hills  and 
ridges  north  of  the  river,  and  it  was  expected  that  he  would 
make  an  attack  as  soon  as  his  divisions  were  well  up  in  posi 
tion.  Heavy  details  from  all  the  Union  regiments  were  at 
work  on  the  fortifications,  day  and  night ;  and  the  works  were 
being  strengthened  and  extended  as  rapidly  as  possible,  in  an 
ticipation  of  an  early  assault.  The  troops,  although  wearied 
by  three  days  constant  marching  and  fighting,  worked  with  a 
will  upon  the  rifle  pits  and  bastions,  being  assisted  by  many 
of  the  citizens  of  the  place,  the  loyal  people  showing  a  great 
desire  to  lend  their  aid  in  defense  of  the  city.  "Contrabands" 
were  also  pressed  into  service,  and  by  a  united  effort  much 
was  accomplished.  In  front  of  one  position  on  the  north  side 
of  the  town  the  chevaux-de-frise  was  composed  in  part  of  a 
large  number  of  sharp  pikes — said  to  be  over  two  thousand— 
which  were  captured  from  the  enemy  at  Cumberland  Gap  ear 
ly  in  the  fall.  They  were  stuck  and  firmly  secured  in  the 
ground  at  an  angle  of  about  forty-live  degrees,  and  formed  a 
barrier  not  easily  surmounted. 

The  112th  Illinois  moved  out  on  the  street,  on  foot,  early  in 
the  morning,  and  was  held  in  reserve  all  day,  with  orders  to 
be  in  readiness  to  move  quickly  and  without  a  moment's  de- 


IN  THE  STKEET  AND  IN  THE  1UIX.  iDl 

lay,  in  case  of  an  attack,  or  any  serious  demonstration  by  the 
enemy.  The  regiment  remained  in  line  until  evening,  and 
then  moved  into  the  beautiful  front  yard  of  a  fine  private  resi 
dence  and  bivouacked  for  the  night.  A  heavy  detail  from  the 
regiment  patrolled  the  streets  all  night,  to  preserve  order  and 
prevent  fast  driving  or  a  stampede,  in  case  of  a  night  attack. 
The  ir2th  was  selected  for  this  duty  by  order  of  Gen.  Burnside 
himself— a  high  compliment  to  the  courage  and  morale  of  the 
regiment.  Several  fine  residences  just  outside  the  skirmish 
line,  southwest  of  town,  were  burned  during  the  evening  to  pre 
vent  rebel  sharpshooters  from  occupying  them.  It  commenc 
ed  raining  about  nine  o'clock  and  continued  to  rain  all  night 
and  the  next  day.  The  112th  passed  an  uncomfortable  night, 
without  tents,  and  early  in  the  morning  sought  shelter  from 
the  storm  in  some  old  buildings  in  the  neighborhood,  with 
headquarters  in  a  carpenter  shop  on  Main  Street ;  but  the 
men  had  only  time  to  wring  the  water  from  their  clothing  when 
the  regiment  was  again  ordered  to  its  old  position  in  the  street, 
and  stood  in  line,  in  a  pelting  storm,  all  day  and  the  night  fol 
lowing,  under  orders  to  move  at  a  given  signal,  on  a  double 
quick.  The  rain  ceased  on  the  morning  of  the  22d,  and  it  was 
then  more  comfortable  ;  but  the  regiment  remained  in  posi 
tion,  awaiting  orders,  until  evening,  when,  with  several  other 
mounted  regiments,  all  in  command  of  Col.  Wolford,  it  pro 
ceeded  up  the  river  on  a  night  reconnoissance  :  returned  at  11 
o'clock,  and  again  bivouacked  in  the  front  yard  of  the  same 
private  residence. 

All  the  supplies  for  the  Army  of  the  Ohio  had  been  hauled 
in  wagons  over  the  mountains  from  Kentucky,  by  way  of  Cum 
berland  Gap.  Gen.  Burnside  had  not  anticipated  a  siege,  and 
consequently  had  not  provided  a  surplus  of  stores  ;  in  fact  he 
could  not  have  provided  a  sufficient  quantity  had  lie  expected 
a  siege,  as  it  taxed  his  transportation  trains  to  the  utmost  to 
supply  the  army  from  day  to  day.  But  the  line  of  supplies 
was  now  cut  off.  and  the  whole  Union  army  \vas  reduced  to 
half  rations — horses  and  mules  to  less. 

Knoxville  is  situated  on  a  bend  of  the  Holston,  and  the 
course  of  the  river  at  that  point  is  nearly  from  east  to  west. 
Longstreet's  army  encircled  the  town  north  of  the  river,  but 


152  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

as  yet  lit1  had  no  considerable  force  on  the  south  side  :  and 
forage  trains  were  daily  sent  across,  on  a  pontoon  bridge,  ac 
companied  by  strong  guards,  usually  two  or  three  companies 
of  mounted  troops,  to  search  the  country  for  grain  and  "rough 
forage"  for  the  horses  and  mules.  Sometimes  they  would  be 
gone  all  day  without  meeting  the  enemy  :  at  other  times  they 
would  hardly  pass  the  picket  lines  before  encountering  squads 
of  rebel  cavalry,  and  would  be  compelled  to  tight  their  way  in 
to  the  country  or  return  to  camp  :  and  upon  more  tlrm  one 
occasion  the  rebels  attacked  the  trains,  and  came  near  cap 
turing  train,  guard  and  all.  The  ll%2th  was  frequently  called 
upon  to  furnish  companies  or  details  for  this  service,  and  al 
most  every  day  some  company  or  detail  was  in  the  country  as 
train  guard,  and  frequently  engaged  in  severe  skirmishing 
with  detachments  of  the  enemy,  often  narrowly  escaping  cap 
ture. 

After  dark  in  the  evening  of  the  2tfd,  the  cavalry  division 
crossed  the  river  and  occupied  a  position  on  the  south  side. 
Longstreet  was  gradually,  but  surely,  contracting  his  lines  ; 
and  it  was  feared  he  might  gain  possession  of  the  hills  south  of 
the  river,  overlooking  the  city  on  the  north  bank,  and  by  plant 
ing  artillery,  expose  the  Union  lines  to  a  plunging  enfilading  fire. 

During  the  evening  the  enemy  made  an  attack  on  the  picket 
line  of  a  division  of  the  9th  Corps,  north  of  the  city,  and 
drove  in  the  pickets.  As  the  pickets  fell  back  they  set  tire  to 
all  the  buildings  on  the  ground,  for  the  double  purpose  of  pre 
venting  rebel  sharp-shooters  from  occupying  them,  and  so  they 
would  not  obstruct  the  viewr  of  the  movements  of  the  enemy 
from  the  Union  lines.  The  arsenal,  machine  shops,  round 
house  near  the  depot,  and  several  other  large  buildings  were 
burned  to  the  ground,  making  an  extensive  conflagration  and 
lighting  up  the  city  and  surrounding  country  as  bright  as  day. 
The  next  day  the  rebels  were  drive  a  back  and  the  Union 
lines  reestablished. 

Longstreet's  army  had  outnumbered  Burnside's  from  the 
beginning ;  and  within  a  few  days  after  lie  reached  Knoxville 
Longstreet  had  been  reinforced  by  detachments  under  Gen 
erals  Jackson,  Carter,  Jones  and  Williams,  respectively,  and 
he  now  felt  confident  of  his  ability  to  capture  the  whole  of 


CONFEDERATES  CROSS  THE  RIVER,  "158 

Btirnsicle's  little  army  and  reestablish  Confederate  authority 
in  East-  Tennessee. 

He  effected  a  crossing  of  the  Holston.  below  the  city,  extend 
ed  his  lines  across  the  river,  and  gained  possession  of  a  Bill 
and  planted  artillery,  preparatory  to  advancing  his  lines  and 
driving  the  l/iiion  force  on  that  side  back  across  the  river. 

At  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  *24th,  Lt.  Col.  Bond  was 
directed  to  move  his  brigade,  under  cover  of  the  darkness, 
down  the  river,  and  take  possession  of,  and  fortify,  a  hill  or 
ridge,  and  in  case  of  an  attack  to  hold  it  at  all  hazards.  He 
occupied  the  hill  without  difficulty,  and  that  night  the  men  lay 
on  their  arms.  At  daybreak  on  the  25th  work  was  commenc 
ed  on  the  fortifications,  and  pushed  rapidly  all  day  and  the 
succeeding  night,  and  until  noon  the  next  day,  when  it  was 
deemed  safe  to  pause  and  take  breath.  The  position  was  a 
strong  one — well  nigh  impregnable  against  attack,  but  ex 
tremely  weak  against  starvation.  It  was  designated  "Bond's 
Hill" — after  the  brigade  commander. 

Col.  Cameron,  with  a  brigade  of  infantry  of  the  23d  Corps, 
occupied  an  adjacent  •  hill ;  and  in  the  afternoon  of  the  25th 
the  rebels  made  a  furious  attack  upon  his  position,  and  at 
first  gained  some  advantage  ;  but  they  were  finally  repulsed, 
after  a  desperate  struggle,  and  driven  back  to  their  works. 

While  the  Confederate  forces  occupied  several  strong  posi 
tions  south  of  the  river,  yet  their  lines  were  not  continuous  ; 
forage  trains  continued  to  dodge  out  between  them,  and  scout 
ing  parties  also  ranged  through  the  country,  but  always  attend 
ed  with  great  danger  of  capture. 

On  the  night  of  the  '26th.  Lieut.  T.  E.  Milchrist,  with  part 
of  his  company  (G),  of  the  112th  Illinois,  by  direction  of  Col. 
Wolford,  moved  down  the  river,  eluded  the  rebel  pickets,  pass 
ed  through  their  lines,  and  proceeded  to  Marysville,  in  quest 
of  information  as  to  the  position  and  movements  of  troops  in 
that  direction.  It  was  a  perilous  undertaking,  but  was  suc 
cessfully  accomplished.  They  passed  so  near  the  rebel  pickets 
that  they  could  hear  their  conversation  and  when  they  cross 
ed  the  bridge,  muffled  their  feet  to  prevent  being  heard.  They 
returned  towards  morning,  and  Lieut.  Milchrist  immediately 
proceeded  to  Col.  Wolford's  head-quarters  to  report  the  result 


154  HISTOHY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

of  his  observations.  Col.  Wolford  deemed  the  information  of 
great  importance,  and  directed  Lieut.  Milchrist  to  report  the 
same  without  delay  to  Gen.  Burnside,  and  sent  a  staff  officer 
with  him  to  the  general's  headquarters.  Gen.  Burnside  was 
highly  pleased  with  Lieut.  Milchrist 's  report,  and  compliment 
ed  him  and  his  men  for  their  courage  and  fidelity  in  the  un 
dertaking,  and  for  successfully  accomplishing  the  object  of  the 
secret  reconnoissance. 

A  forage  train  attempted  to  pass  up  the  south  bank  of  the 
river  into  the  country,  on  the  27th,  but  it  was  attacked  by  the 
e  lemy  and  driven  back  within  our  lines. 

There  was  heavy  skirmishing  and  artillery  firing  all  day ; 
and  in  the  evening  all  the  troops  were  directed  to  be  extremely 
cautious  and  watchful,  and  every  precaution  was  taken  Jp 
guard  against  surprise,  or  a  sudden  attack. 

Each  regiment  was  divided  into  three  reliefs,  and  one-third 
of  the  men  kept  on  guard  all  the  time,  night  and  day — two 
hours  on  and  four  hours  off.  One  man  in  every  four,  of  those 
not  on  guard,  kept  awake  and  on  the  alert,  to  wake  his  three 
comrades  in  case  of  an  attack,  and  those  who  slept  lay  with 
their  accoutrements  on  and  their  guns  within  reach,  ready  to 
spring  into  action  at  an  instant's  notice. 

The  siege  had  now  continued  ten  days.  During  that  time 
neither,  army  had  been  idle.  On  the  Union  side  earthworks 
had  been  extended  and  strengthened,  ditches  deepened,  bat 
teries  planted  in  position,  and  everything  possible  done  to  as 
sure  a  successful  defense.  On  the  Confederate  side  batteries 
had  been  placed  in  position  and  protected  by  strong  earth 
works  ;  the  infantry  were  strongly  intrenched  in  each  new  po 
sition,  and  approaches  had  been  made  toward  the  Union  lines  ; 
and  the  cavalry  were  scouring  the  country  for  food,  forage, 
horses,  mules,  and  other  army  supplies. 

But  the  Union  army  was  getting  painfully  short  of  supplies. 
The  rations  had  been  reduced  from  one-half  to  one-third,  then 
to  one-fourth — and  even  at  that  rate  all  would  be  exhausted— 
the  last  mouthful  eaten — on  the  third  of  December,  and  it  was 
now  the  28th  of  November — only  five  days  more  of  grace,  and. 
then  what ?  The  cavalry  arid  artillery  horses  and  train  mules 
had  already  actually  stripped  the  trees  of  small  limbs  and  bark 


THE  TROOPS  NEVER  DISCOURAGED.  155 

—had   eaten   them   bare — and    what    would    they   eat  next '? 

The  rebel  pickets  did  not  console  the  hungry  Union  boys  to 
any  great  extent.  They  said  they  were  paying  us  off  for  Vicks- 
burg.  Inquired  how  we  relished  mule  meat.  Advised  us  to 
study  Lincoln's  proclamation ;  proposed  to  trade  tobacco  for 
tsuf/ar  and  coffee;  and  boasted  of  their  intention  to  capture  the 
whole  Union  army  and  inarch  it  in  a  body  to  Andersonville. 
But  the  Union  boys  replied  with  spirit  to  their  raillery,  chal 
lenged  them  to  try  the  strength  of  our  works,  and  predicted 
that  within  a  week  the  rebel  army  would  find,  itself  in  a  trap, 
and  be  compelled  to  run  or  surrender. 

The  Union  troops  never  became  discouraged  ;  the}"  had  faith 
in  the  military  wisdom  and  plans  of  Gen.  Grant  and  Gen. 
Burnside,  and  were  contented  to  bide  their  time.  Gen.  Burn- 
side  was  kind,  generous  and  humane,  to  citizens  and  soldiers 
alike  ;  he  won  the  profound  respect  of  all,  and  imparted  con 
fidence  and  courage  to  all. 

After  the  terrible  struggle  at  Chickamauga,  in  which  llose- 
crans'  army  was  defeated  and  driven  into  Chattanooga,  and 
was  only  saved  from  complete  destruction  by  the  indomitable 
courage  and  stubborn  resistance  of  the  heroic  Thomas  and  his 
grand  division,  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was  practically 
besieged.  With  but  a  single  line  of  communications,  nearly 
surrounded — Bragg's  victorious  army  looking  down  upon  it 
from  the  impregnable  heights  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mis 
sionary  liidge- -the  mountain  sides  bristling  with  cannon-— it 
was  apparently  at  the  mercy  of  the  Confederate  commander. 
Then  it  was  that  Bragg,  feeling  secure  in  his  position,  had  de 
tached  Loiig'street  and  his  veterans  from  the  Army  of  Virginia, 
and  sent  them  to  drive  Burnside  out  of  East  Tennessee,  and 
redeem  it  from  National  dominion.  But  Longstreet  had  hard 
ly  crossed  the  Hiawassee,  when  Gen.  Grant  arrived  at  Chatta 
nooga,  and,  as  Commander  of  the  Military  Division  of  the 
Mississippi,  assumed  command  of  the  three  great  armies  in 
the  West,  and  at  once  restored  order  and  confidence  where  all 
had  been  confusion  .and  discouragement.  One  of  his  first 
steps  was  to  cause  the  removal  of  Gen.  Kosecrans  from  the 
command  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  and  the  appoint 
ment  of  Gen.  Thomas  as  his  successor.  His  next  step  was 


15H  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

to  reinforce  the  army  at  Chattanooga  ;  and  Gen.  Sherman,  with 
part  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  and  Gen.  Hooker,  with  How 
ard's  llth  Corps  and  Slocum's  l'2th  Corps,  from  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  were  soon  en  route  to  the  scene  of  operations. 

He  then  communicated  with  Gen.  Burnside,  in  command  of 
the  Army  of  the  Ohio,  and  the  result  was  that  Longstreet  was 
permitted  to  advance  as  far  as  the  Tennessee  Kiver  without 
serious  resistance.  Here  he  was  held  in  check  as  long  as  prac 
ticable,  and  then  allowed  to  cross.  Gen.  Burnside  was  com 
pelled  to  make  a  stand  at  Campbell's  Station  to  save  his  trains, 
and  to  gain  time  to  prepare  the  defences  of  Knoxville.  It  also 
deceived  Longstreet  into  the  belief  that  the  Union  army  would 
stand  its  ground  until  driven-  back,  and  compelled  him  to  bring 
forward  his  whole  available  force  to  dislodge  the  Union  army. 

Then  he  was  lured  to  Knoxville,  more  than  a  hundred  miles 
from  Bragg— far  beyond  supporting  distance — where  he  laid 
siege  to  the  city  and  threatened  to  starve  the  garrison  into 
surrender.  By  the  28d  of  November  his  whole  force  had  been 
brought  forward  and  placed  in  position.  He  had  been  rein 
forced  by  other  detachments,  which  had  been  assigned  places 
in  his  lines  of  investment ;  his  batteries  were  frowning  upon 
the  beleaguered  city ;  and  he  had  promised  his  soldiers  that 
they  should  eat  their  Thanksgiving  dinner  within  the  defences 
of  Knoxville. 

But  on  the  23d,  Gen.  Grant  commenced  a  succession  of  bril 
liant  movements  and  hard  fought  battles,  in  which  he  scaled 
the  rugged  sides  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Missionary  Kidge, 
routed  Bragg's  great  army  from  its  fortified  heights,  and  hurl 
ed  it  into  the  valleys  belowr,  from  whence,  crushed  -and  defeat 
ed,  it  sought  safety  in  rapid  retreat  to  Northern  Georgia, 
closely  pursued  by  the  victorious  veterans  of  Sherman  and 
Thomas  and  Hooker. 

In  accordance  with  Gen.  Grant's  instructions,  Gen.  Sherman 
moved  to  the  east,  and  placed  his  command  between  Bragg's 
army  and  Longstreet's,  and  thus  cut  off  all  communication 
between  the  two  rebel  armies. 

In  the  meantime  Longstreet  had  been  actively  at  work  on 
the  ridge  north  of  Fort  Sauiiders,  connecting  his  batteries  with 
lines  of  rifle  pits,  and  preparing  to  open  a  vigorous  bombard- 


THE  ASSAULT  ORDERED.  157 

ment  of  the  fort.  But  the  news  of  the  engagement  between 
Grant  and  Bragg  nad  reached  him  and  hastened  his  plans. 
Longstreet  undoubtedly  knew  of  Bragg's  defeat,  but  neither 
his  soldiers  nor  his  subordinate  officers  were  informed  of  the 
fact.  He  now  saw  his  fatal  mistake  and  determined  to  redeem 
himself  while  there  was  yet  time. 

On  the  28th  of  November  he  directed  Gen.  McLaws  to  double 
his  pickets  and  reserves,  and  advance  and  occupy  the  line  of 
the  Union  pickets,  and  at  the  same  time  make  arrangements 
to  assault  as  soon  as  the  weather  lighted  up  enough  for  the  ar 
tillery  to  play  upon  the  Union  position.  He  directed  the  as 
sault  to  be  made  after  ten  minutes  brisk  artillery  firing  by  all 
their  batteries.  Gen.  Jenkins  was  ordered  to  advance  his 
picket  line  in  the  same  way,  and  advance  to  the  assault,  fol 
lowing  McLaw's  movements ;  and  Gen.  Johnson,  with  two 
brigades,  was  ordered  to  support  McLaws  and  Jenkins. 

Upon  the  receipt  of  the  order  Gen.  McLaws  addressed  to 
Longstreet  the  following  note  : 

"HEADQ'RS  DIVISION,  Nov.  28,  1868. 
"  LIEUT.  (TEN.  J.  LOXGSTREET  : 

"It  seems  to  be  a  conceded  fact  that  there  has 
been  a  serious  engagement  between  General  Bragg's  forces  and 
those  of  the  enemy,  with  what  result  is  not  known,  so  far  as 
I  have  heard.  General  Bragg  may  have  maintained  his  posi 
tion,  may  have  repulsed  the  enemy,  or  may  have  been  driven 
back. 

"If  the  enemy  has  been  beaten  at  Chattanooga,  do  we  not 
gain  by  delay  at  this  point  ? 

"If  we  have  been  defeated  at  Chattanooga,  do  we  not  risk 
our  entire  force  by  an  assault  here'? 

"If  we  have  been  defeated  at  Chattanooga,  our  communica 
tions  must  be  made  with  Virginia. 

"We  cannot  again  combine  with  General  Bragg,  even  if  we 
should  be  successful  in  our  assault  upon  Knoxville.  If  we 
should  be  defeated  or  unsuccessful,  and  at  the  same  time  Gen 
eral  Bragg  should  have  been  forced  to  retire,  would  we  be  in  a 
condition  to  force  our  way  back  to  the  army  in  Virginia  ? 

"I  present   these  considerations,  and,  with   the   force  they 


158  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

have  on  my  mind.  I  beg  leave  to  say  that  I  think  \ve  had  bet 
ter  delay  the  assault  until  we  hear  the  result  of  the  battle  at 
Chattanooga.  The  enemy  may  have  cut  our  communications 
to  prevent  this  army  reinforcing  General  Bragg,  as  well  as  to 
prevent  General  Bragg  from  reinforcing  us,  and  the  attack  at 
Chattanooga  favors  the  first  proposition. 
"Very  respectfully, 

"L.  McLAws, 

"Major  (reueraV 

To  which  Gen.  Longstreet  replied  as  follows  : 

"HEADQUARTERS,  Nov.  28,  1868. 

u GENERAL: — Your  letter  is  received.  I  am  not  at  all  confi 
dent  that  General  Bragg  has  had  a  serious  battle  at  Chatta 
nooga,  but  there  is  a  report  that  he  has  fallen  back  to  Tunnel 
Hill.  Under  this  report,  I  am  entirely  convinced  that,  our  on 
ly  safety  is  in  making  the  assault  upon  the  enemy's  position 
tomorrow  at  daylight ;  and  it  is  the  more  important  that  I 
should  have  the  entire  support  and  cooperation  of  the  officers 
of  this  command,  and  I  do  hope  and  trust  that  I  may  have 
your  entire  support,  and  of  all  the  force  you  may  be  possessed 
of,  in  the  execution  of  my  views.  It  is  a  great  mistake  to 
suppose  there  is  any  safetyfor  us  in  going  to  Virginia  if  Gen 
eral  Bragg  has  deen  defeated,  for  we  leave  him  to  the  mercy 
of  his  victors,  and  with  his  army  destroyed  our  own  had  bet 
ter  be  also — for  we  will  not  only  be  destroyed  but  disgraced. 
There  is  neither  honor  nor  safety  in  any  other  course  than  the 
one  I  have  chosen  and  ordered. 
"Very  respectfully, 

"J.  LONGSTREET, 
""Lieut.  Gen.,  Commanding. 
"To  MAJ.  GEN.  L.  McLAws. 

"P.  S. — The  assault  must  be  made  at  the  time  appointed, 
and  must  be  made  with  a  determination  that  will  insure  suc 
cess.  J.  L." 

Gen.  McLaws  gives  the  following  description  of  the  opera 
tions  preceding  the  assault  upon  the  fort,  which  took  place  at 
six  o'clock  on  the  following  morning,  Sunday,  November  29. 


GEN.  McLAWS'  ACCOUNT.  159 

After  referring  to  the  delay  in  attacking  the   Union  picket 
lines,  he  nays : 

''After  this  I  proposed  to  Gen  Longtsreet  that  if  he  would 
delay  the  assault  until  daylight  the  next  morning,  the  29th,  I 
would  drive  in  the  enemy's  pickets  and  occupy  a  line  with  my 
sharpshooters  which  would  command  the  enemy's  works,  going 
beyond  the  line  occupied  by  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  if  such 
was  found  to  be  necessary  in  order  to  obtain  eligible  positions. 
He  assented,  and  the  assault  was  put  off  until  daylight  of  the 
29th.  I  then  addressed  the  following  circular  to  my  brigade 
commanders : 

*  STRICTLY    CONFIDENTIAL. 

'  GENERAL  :  The  operations  discussed  to-day  will  take  place 
tomorrow  morning.  I  wish  you  to  make  the  necessary  prep 
arations  and  advance  your  skirmishers  to-night,  so  as  to  occu 
py  the  line  of  rifle  pits  now  held  by  the  enemy  and  make  them 
tenable  for  your  men,  so  that  your  sharpshooters  can  open  lire 
on  the  main  rifle  pits  of  the  enemy,  and,  firing  into  the  em 
brasures  of  the  main  work,  prevent  them  from  using  their  can 
non  with  effect  when  the  main  assault  is  made  :  and  if  an  op 
portunity  is  offered,  which  may  happen,  we  may  dash  at  the 
main  works.  Further  instructions  will  be  sent  if  any  are 
thought  necessary.  If  any  brigade  commander  is  not  fully 
informed,  he  is  requested  to  make  proper  inquiries  at  once/ 

"Copies  of  this  circular  were  delivered  to  each  brigade  com 
mander. 

"The  brigade  commanders  assembled  at  division  headquar 
ters,  and  it  was  agreed  that  the  attack  upon  the  Union  picket 
line  should  take  place  at  moonrise,  which  occurred  at  about 
ten  p.  m.  The  signal  agreed  upon  for  the  assault  was  the  op 
ening  of  fire  from  Leyden's  battery,  which  had  been  sunk  in 
pits  on  the  advanced  line  of  Kershaw's  brigade,  near  the  Arm 
strong  house,  to  be  followed  at  daylight  by  a  continuous  firing 
by  the  sharpshooters  from  their  advanced  position. 

"I  ordered  the  assault  in  two  columns,  because  there  was 
considerable  felled  timber  and  much  broken  ground  between 
the  positions  of  Humphrey's  brigade  and  that  of  Wofford's, 
and,  besides,  I  thought  that  the  spirit  of  rivalry  between  the 


160  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

two  brigades  leading  the  assault — one  being  from  Georgia,  and 
the  other  from  Mississippi — united  to  their  previous  well-tried 
gallantry,  would  urge  them  to  their  work  with  accelerating 
dash  and  vigor,  I  had  been  previously  informed  by  Col.  Alex 
ander,  of  General  Longstreet's  staff,  that  there  was  no  ditch 
at  the  northwest  angle  of  the  work  that  offered  any  obstacle  to 
the  assault,  and  by  General  Longstreet  himself  that  there 
would  be  no  difficulty  in  taking  the  work  so  far  as  the  ditch 
was  concerned." 

The  author  has  clipped  the  following  from  a  newspaper  art 
icle  on  the  "Siege  of  Knoxville."  The  name  of  the  writer  is 
unknown,  but  as  the  situation  is  correctly  described,  the  auth 
or  has  taken  the  liberty  to  use  these  extracts : 

"The  existence  of  a  ditch  in  front  of  the  northwest  angle, 
where  the  assault  was  made,  was  entirely  unknown  to  the  Con 
federate  officers.  No  scaling  ladders  were  prepared,  partly  be 
cause  it  was  supposed  that  none  were  needed,  and  partly  lie- 
cause  there  were  no  tools  with  which  to  construct  them. 
Longstreet  says  :  '  Something  \vas  said  about  fascines  •small 
branches  of  trees  in  bundles],  and  I  said  they  might  be  useful 
to  protect  the  men  from  bullets  in  their  approach,  but  I  did 
not  consider  them  essential  in  crossing  the  ditch.' 

"The  immediate  vicinity  of  the  fort  had  been  jealously  guard 
ed  from  close  observation,  and  was  a  term  incognita  to  citizens 
as  well  as  Confederates.  The  deep  and  impassible  ditch  in 
front  of  Fort  Saunders  was  as  much  a  surprise  to  Longstreet's 
assaulting  columns  as  was  the  "sunken  road"  to  Napoleon's 
Imperial  Guard  as  it  made  its  last  desperate  charge  at  Water 
loo. 

"McLaws  claims  that  the  necessity  for  any  appliance  with 
which  to  reach  the  summit  of  the  parapet  was  scouted  by  Col. 
Alexander;  that  he  did  not  think  of  them  himself:  but  as 
there  were  'no  tools  or  material  with  which  to  make  anything' 
he  did  not  mention  them,  as  'to  do  so,  and  not  to  have  them, 
would  create  hesitation  and  detract  from  the  dash  and  deter 
mined  purpose  so  necessary  to  succeed,'  although  he  did  not 
consider  them  essential. 

"On  account  of  the  dense  fog  which  hung  over  the  river 
banks,  obscuring  the  movements  of  both  armies,  the  advance 


SIEGE  OF  KNOXVILLE.  161 

upon  the  Union  picket  lines  was  delayed  until  about  11  p.  in., 
when  they  were  carrried  by  a  dashing  charge,  many  of  the 
pickets  being  captured  in  the  rifle  pits.  This  brought  the  Con 
federate  picket  line  under  the  guns  of  Fort  Saunders,  and  suf 
ficiently  indicated  the  movement  about  to  take  place.  Skirm 
ishing  continued  during  the  night,  and  a  slow  cannonading 
was  kept  up  from  Alexander's  batteries,  directed  principally 
upon  Fort  Saunders,  which  was  believed  by  the  Union  officers 
to  be  the  real  point  of  attack. 

"If  the  Confederate  commander  had  designed  to  give  his  an 
tagonist  timely  notice  of  his  intended  assault,  he  could  not 
have  done  so  more  effectually  than  by  prefacing  it  by  the  mid 
night  assault  upon  the  picket  line.  General  Burnside  at  once 
sent  Reilly's  brigade,  which  had  been  really  in  reserve  during 
the  siege,  to  reinforce  Ferrero's  line  at  the  fort.  The  weather 
had  been  most  unfavorable  for  movements  of  troops  during 
the  week  that  had  past.  Bain  fell  on  the  night  of  the  27th, 
and  the  mercury  fell  below  the  freezing  point.  Ice  formed  on 
the  water  in  the  ditch,  and  the  almost  perpendicular  walls  of 
the  ditch  and  parapet  were  as  smooth  and  slippery  as  a  wall 
of  marble. 

"In  advancing  to  the  assault  upon  the  Union  pickets, 
Humphrey's  skirmish  line  became  entangled  in  an  abattis, 
which  fact  McLaws  at  once  reported  to  the  commanding  gen 
eral,  who  replied  curtly,  through  his  adjutant  general,  that 
'  thefeant  of  an  attack  is  not  the  time  to  make  discouraging 
reports.' 

"About  four  o'clock  a.  in.,  General  McLaws,  accompanied 
by  his  staff,  rode  out  to  give  personal  supervision  to  the  execu 
tion  of  his  orders  for  the  assault  upon  the  fort.  He  says  :  '  It 
was  evident  to  me  that  the  enemy  were  aware  that  one  was  in 
tended,  and  I  think  it  probable  that  they  knew  where  it  was  to 
be  made,  for  while  I  was  talking  with  Colonel  Kuif  (command 
ing  Woiford's  brigade)  on  the  railroad,  the  enemy  threw  a  shell 
which  bursted  over  the  woods,  just  in  rear  of  us,  through  which 
his  brigade  was  passing,  assembling  by  regiments  for  the  as 
sault.' 

"General  Jenkins  was  ordered  to  advance  a  brigade  a  little 
—11 


162  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

later  than  the  assaulting  columns  and  to  pass  the  enemy's 
lines  north  of  the  fort,  and  to  continue  the  attack  along  the 
enemy's  rear  and  flank.  Two  brigades  of  General  Johnson's 
division,  having  arrived  the  day  before,  were  ordered  to  move 
in  the  rear  of  General  McLaws,  and  at  a  convenient  distance, 
to  be  thrown  in  as  circumstances  might  require. 

"The  ground  to  the  right  of  Fort  Saunders  descended  irreg 
ularly  to  the  valley  of  Second  Creek.  A  parapet  of  three  or 
four  feet  in  height  ran  from  Fort  Saunders  to  Temperance  Hill, 
the  most  easterly  portion  of  which,  nearest  Temperance  Hill, 
was  further  protected  by  the  high  water  of  the  creek. 

"An  open  space  of  sufficient  width  for  an  assault  existed  be 
tween  Fort  Saunders  and  the  dam,  over  which  troops  could 
move  at  least  as  rapidly  as  over  the  ground  in  front  of  Fort 
Saunders.  This  was  the  point  designated  in  instructions  to 
General  Jenkins  for  h'ni  to  make  his  assault,  timing  his 
movements  by  those  of  General  McLaws.  Two  of  Jenkins' 
brigades,  however,  were  still  south  of  the  Holston,  where,  in  a 
fruitless  assault  upon  Cameron's  brigade  on  the  25th,  they 
had  lost  over  one  hundred  men. 

"The  garrison  of  Fort  Saunders  consisted  of  Lieutenant 
Benjamin's  battery  E,  Second  United  States  Artillery,  with 
four  twenty-pounder  Parrot  guns,  and  Capt.  Buckley's  battery 
D,  First  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  four  twelve-pounder  Napole 
ons,  and  two  three-inca  steel  guns,  part  of  the  Seventy-ninth 
New  York  and  part  of  the  Second  Michigan  Infantry,  making 
an  aggregate  of  about  two  hundred  and  twenty  men,  all  under 
command  of  First  Lieutenant  Samuel  N.  Benjamin,  Second 
United  States  Artillery,  Chief  of  Artillery  Ninth  Army  Corps. 
Such  were  the  men  Who  were  called  upon  to  repulse  one  of  the 
most  desperate  charges  recorded  in  history." 

General  Poe  gives  the  following  description  of  Fort  Saun 
ders :  "It  is  a  bastioned  earthwork  built  upon  an  irregular 
quadrilateral,  the  sides  of  which  are  respectively  one  hundred 
and  twenty-live  yards  southern  front,  ninety-live  yards  western 
front,  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  yards  northern  front,  and 
eighty-live  yards  eastern  front.  The  eastern  front  was  entire 
ly  open  and  is  to  be  closed  with  a  stockade.  The  southern 
front  was  about  half  done :  the  western  front  finished  with 


FORT  SAUNDERS.  163 

the  exception  of  cutting  the  embrasures,  and  the  northern 
front  nearly  finished.  Each  bastion  was  intended  to  have  a 
pun  foHjic.  In  front  of  the  fort  was  a  ditch  twelve  feet  wide, 
and  in  nnuy  places  as  much  as  eight  feet  in  depth.  The  ir 
regularity  of  the  site  was  such  that  the  bastion  angles  were 
very  heavy,  the  relief  of  the  lightest  one  being  twelve  feet. 
The  one  attacked  was  thirteen  feet,  which,  together  with  the 
depth  of  the  ditch,  say  seven  feet,  made  a  height  of  twenty 
feet  from  the  bottom  of  the  ditch  to  the  interior  crest." 

Fort  Saunders  was  the  salient  of  the  line  of  works,  and  the 
bastion  where  the  assault  was  made  was  the  salient  of  the  fort. 

Wires  were  stretched  from  stump  to  stump,  and  around  the 
outer  edge  of  the  deep  ditch  encircling  the  fort,  to  trip  the  reb 
el  soldiers  as  they  approached  our  lines. 

The  11*2 fch  and  other  troops  on  the  south  side  were  aroused 
by  the  tierce  cannonading  and  severe  skirmishing  along  the 
lines  on  the  north  side,  on  the  night  of  the  28th,  and  all  sprang 
to  their  places  in  the  line  of  earthworks  ready  for  action ;  but 
no  serious  demonstration  was  made  by  the  enemy  south  of  the 
river.  All  night  the  Union  troops  stood  guard,  listening  to  the 
rebel  artillery  as  it  threw  shot  and  shell  against  the  lines  of 
defense,  and  waiting  anxiously  for  the  morning,  when  they 
well  knew  the  final  struggle  for  the  possession  of  Knoxville 
would  commence. 

At  daybreak  on  the  29th,  amid  a  terrific  fire  of  artillery,  the 
rebel  columns  advanced  to  the  charge.  From  our  position  on 
the  hills  south  of  the  river,  we  could  see  the  solid  gray  mass, 
line  after  line,  as  they  pressed  forward  to  the  assault.  As  they 
neared  the  fort  the  scene  was  veiled  in  a  dense  cloud  of  smoke, 
that  no  eye  could  penetrate  ;  but  the  sharp  quick  rattle  of  mus 
ketry,  the  steady  roar  of  artillery,  and  the  bursting  of  shells 
were  evidences  of  the  terrible  conflict  being  waged  beneath  that 
dark  cloud.  It  was  a  terrible  suspense.  Upon  the  successful 
defense  of  the  fort  depended  the  fate  of  the  wiiole  army.  That 
in  pos-vjision  of  the  enemy,  and  we  were  at  his  mercy.  Ere 
long  a  victorious  cheer  from  the  Union  lines  greeted  our  listen 
ing  ears.  The  rebel  columns  were  repulsed,  with  heavy  loss, 
and  sen!:,  reeling,  staggering,  broken  and  shattered,  back  to 
their  lines.  The  heavy  cloud  of  smoke  lifted  from  the  field 


164  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  revealed  to  our  straining  eyes  a  scene  of  carnage  seldom 
witnessed  even  amid  the  horrors  of  war. 

A*captain  of  the  51st  New  York  Volunteers,  a  staff  officer  in 
the  9th  Corps,  who  was  in  the  fort  at  the  time,  thus  describes 
the  assault : 

"Across  the  railroad,  up  the  gentle  slope,  and  through  the 
stumps  thay  came,  while  our  guns  were  making  havoc  among 
their  ranks.  On  they  came,  never  faltering,  with  that  well 
known  war  yell ;  the  stumps  that  the  wires  were  attached  to 
are  reached,  and  down  they  fall,  amid  charges  of  grape  and 
canister,  while  the  steady  fire  of  the  infantry  from  the  adjoin 
ing  rifle-pits,  although  destructive,  did  not  deter  them  from 
rushing  forward.  They  filled  the  ditch,  and  every  foot  of 
ground  showed  evidence  of  their  courage.  Lighted  shells  with 
short  fuses  and  hand  grenades  were  thrown  over  in  the  ditch, 
and  in  another  moment,  through  the  smoke,  we  discovered  an 
other  brigade,  closed  en  masse,  rushing  on  them  with  renewed 
vigor.  Yells  mingled  with  groans  as  they  fell,  and,  unable  to 
stand  such  a  scorching  fire,  they  broke  and  fled  to  the  rear  ; 
the  few  who  returned  in  safety  were  truly  fortunate.  One  or 
two  leaped  the  ditch,  climbed  the  parapet,  and  planted  their 
colors  on  the  fort,  but  only  fora  moment,  as  they  were  instant 
ly  hauled  in  by  our  men.  Such  deeds  of  heroism  are  rarely 
recorded,  and  we  could  not  help  but  admire  their  pluck  as 
they  were  marched  off  as  prisoners  of  war. 

"Before  the  smell  of  powder  and  smoke  had  passed  away,  I, 
with  a  few  others,  passed  out  of  the  fort  over  the  ditch  on  a 
plank,  and  looked  on  that  sad  scene  of  slaughter.  Such  a 
spectacle  I  never  again  want  to  witness  !  Men  literally  torn 
to  pieces  lay  all  around,  some  in  the  last  throes  of  death,  oth 
ers  groaning  and  their  faces  distorted  under  the  extreme  pains 
from  their  severe  wounds.  Arms  and  limbs,  torn  from  their 
bodies,  lay  scattered  around,  while  at  every  footstep  we  trod 
in  pools  of  blood.  The  ground  also  was  strewn  with  split  guns, 
bayonets  and  equipments,  not  to  speak  of  hats  and  boots. 
Over  a  hundred  dead  bodies  were  taken  from  the  ditch  alone, 
while  the  vast  number  of  the  wounded  were  being  carefully 
carried  within  our  lines,  to  receive  the  best  care  in  our  hospit 
als  ;  as  they  passed  by  us  on  stretchers  their  moanings  were 


FIVE  HOURS  TRUCE.  165 

pitiful  to  bear.  Three  hundred  prisoners  fell  into  our  hands, 
representing  eleven  regiments,  and  it  -was  evident  to  us  that 
the  enemy  had  met  with  a  fearful  loss,  while  ours  was  com. 
paratively  slight . " 

Truly,  "Nothing  except  a  battle  lost  can  be  half  so  melan 
choly  as  a^  battle  won." 

One  Confederate  officer,  Col.  Mcllroy,  gained  the  parapet 
with  his  flag,  but  was  immediately  killed :  and  a  Sergeant  Ma 
jor  managed,  in  some  way,  to  crawl  through  an  embrasure, 
and  wras  in  the  act  of  spiking  a  gun  when  he  was  arrested. 
Such  bravery  is  worthy  of  a  better  cause  than  lighting  against 
one's  own  government ;  but,  thank  God,  the  brave  men  of  both 
sides  are  now  united,  and  ready  to  peril  their  lives  if  necessa 
ry,  in  defense  of  a  (.•ommon  country,  under  one  nag — the  glo 
rious  stars  and*stripes. 

Pollard,  the  Confederate  historian,  says  Longstreet  lost  sev 
en  hundred  men,  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  in  compar 
atively  an  instant  of  time.  In  fact  his  loss  was  about  one  thou 
sand,  of  whom  more  than  one-half  were  killed  and  wounded. 

At  12  o'clock  the  Confederate  commander  asked,  and  was 
granted,  a  truce  of  five  hours  to  bury  his  dead,  and  for  two 
hours  Union  and  rebel  soldiers  mingled  together  upon  friendly 
terms,  between  the  lines ;  the  former  assisting  in  burying 
those  whom  but  a  few  hours  before,  in  obedience  to  the  stern 
demands  of  duty,  they  had  deliberately  slain. 

The  wounded  prisoners  on  both  sides  were  exchanged ;  and 
among  those  brought  in  by  the  rebels,  were  Thomas  J.  Atwa- 
ter,  of  Co.  C,  who  returned  to  our  lines  minus  a  leg,  and  Alex 
ander  Beath  and  Eben  G.  Woodward,  of  Co.  D,  of  the  112th 
Illinois,  all  of  whom  had  been  wounded  and  captured  on  the 
18th  of  November.  We  also  heard  from  Lieut.  Griffin  and 
other  prisoners — learned  of  their  capture— as  it  had  not  been 
known  until  this  time  whether  they  had  been  captured  or  kill 
ed.  They  had  been  reported  as  "missing  in  action" — an  un 
certain  fate,  of  deep  suspense  and  great  anxiety  to  their  sur 
viving  comrades. 

At  five  o'clock  the  signal  gun  in  Fort  Saunders  gave  notice 
that  the  truce  wras  ended,  and  the  blue  and  gray  separated,  re- 


166  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

turned  to  their  places,  and  the  lines  resumed  their  wonted  at 
titude  of  hostility. 

All  was  quiet  on  the  30th.  In  the  afternoon  we  learned  of 
the  glorious  victory  of  Gen  Grant ;  and  every  man  felt  doubly 
repaid  for  the  hardships  and  suffering  he  had  endured,  as  it 
had  contributed  to  the  success  of  our  arms  at  Chattanooga. 

On  the  first  day  of  December,  Gen.  Burnside  officially  an 
nounced  to  the  army  the  result  of  the  battle  at  Chattanooga, 
in  General  Field  Orders  No.  33 ;  and  he  congratulated  the  Ar 
my  of  the  Ohio  on  its  successful  defense  of  the  city  of  Kuox- 
ville,  and  thanked  officers  and  men  for  their  uniform  good 
conduct,  patience  and  endurance. 

During  the  <;lay  two  deserters  from  Longstreet's  army  came 
into  our  lines.  They  reported  that  the'  rebel  army  was  pre 
paring  for  some  kind  of  movement,  but  whether  in  retreat  or 
attack  they  did  not  know. 

It  was  also  reported  that  Longstreet  had  been  reinforced  ; 
but  in  fact  the  only  forces  that  had  joined  him  were  outlying 
detachments  that  had  been  driven  in  by  the  advancing  forces 
of  Sherman  and  Granger,  coming  from  the  south,  and  of  Gen, 
Foster  coming  from  Kentucky,  by  way  of  Cumberland  Gap,  to 
relieve  the  garrison. 

On  the  2nd  of  December  there  was  but  little  skirmishing 
along  the  lines,  and  no  indications  of  another  attack.  During 
the  night  there  was  considerable  artillery  firing ;  but  the  next 
day  all  was  quiet  again. 

In  the  meantime  Gen.  Sherman,  with  his  own  and  Grang 
er's  corps,  was  hastening  to  our  relief.  At  Philadelphia,  on 
the  night  of  December  2nd,  he  directed  Col.  Long,  command 
ing  a  brigade  of  cavalry,  to  select  the  best  material  of  his  com 
mand,  start  at  once,  ford  the  Little  Tennessee,  and  push  info 
Knoxville  at  whatever  cost  of  life  and  horse-iiesh.  It  was  all 
important  that  Gen.  Burnside  should  have  notice  of  approach 
ing  succor.  The  rebels  had  destroyed  all  the  bridges,  and  the 
infantry  and  artillery  necessarily  moved  slowly.  The  roads 
were  bad,  and  the  distance  to  Knoxville  was  over  forty  miles. 
Sherman  feared  that  Burnside  would  not  hold  out  until  the 
infantry  arrived,  and  pushed  Col.  Long  ahead  with  notice  of 
his  approach. 


BELIEF  FROM  SHERMAN'S  ARMY.  167 

Col.  Long  marched  by  way  of  Marysville,  and  arrived  at 
Kiioxville,  on  the  south  side  of  the  oiver,  at  '2  :30  on  the  morn 
ing  of  December  4th.  The  author  was  in  command  of  the 
picket  that  night,  on  the  Marysville  road.  As  the  guards  lay 
on  the  ground  at  the  reserve,  about  two  o'clock,  they  heard  the 
tramp  of  approaching  cavalry  at  a  distance.  Were  they  friends 
or  enemies  ?  was  the  question.  Hastening  to  the  vedette  post, 
the  officer  of  the  guard  took  one  or  two  men  and  went  down 
the  road  to  recomioiter.  They  soon  came  in  sight  of  the  cav 
alry,  and  by  the  bright  moonlight  could  distinguish  the  blue 
uniform.  It  was  not  safe,  however,  to  depend  upon  the  color, 
for  many  rebel  cavalrymen  wore  the  Union  blue.  As  they  ap 
proached  nearer  they  were  halted.  "Who  comes  there  ?"  "The 
advance  guard  of  Col. 'Long's  brigade  of  cavalry,  from  Gen. 
Sherman's  army,"  was  the  reply.  Before  the  officer  in  com 
mand  of  the  advance  guard  had  spoken  three  words,  we  knew 
they  were  friends.  Rebel  soldiers  frequently  disguised  them 
selves  in  Federal  uniforms,  and  at  a  little  distance  easily  de 
ceived  Union  soldiers.  But  they  could  not  disguise  their 
speech.  One  could  also  distinguish  a  rebel  from  a  Union  sol 
dier,  in  the  same  uniform,  even  by  the  cut  of  his  hair. 

Col.  Long's  cavalry  moved  inside  the  TJnion  lines  and  biv 
ouacked  on  the  flats  in  front  of  "Bond's  Hill." 

On  the  4th  Gen.  Burnside  informed  Gen.  Sherman,  by  mes 
senger,  of  Col.  Long's  arrival,  and  there  were  signs  of  a  speedy 
departure  of  the  rebel  army. 

During  the  night  of  the  4th  Longstreet's  army  folded  its 
tents  and  retreated  on  the  Rutledge,  Eodgersville  and  Bristol 
roads,  toward  Virginia,  and  Gen.  Burnside's  cavalry  and 
mounted  infantry,  among  which  was  the  112th  Illinois,  were 
on  the  rebels'  heels.  They  received  orders  in  the  evening  of 
the  4th  to  prepare  to  move,  and  at  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the  5th  were  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  Confederate  forces. 
Gen.  Granger's  corps  moved  into  Knoxville,  and  Gen.  Burn- 
side's  army  moved  out ;  and  Gen.  Sherman,  with  his  own  corn- 
man:!,  returned  south. 

The  siege  was  ended.  The  intelligence  of  Bragg's  defeat, 
and  the  arrival  of  Col.  Long  as  the  forerunner  of  Sherman's 
troops  marching  to  the  relief  of  the  besieged  garrison,  had 


168  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

warned  Longstreet  to  move  quickly,  and  he  had  taken  the  on 
ly  line  open  to  him. 

The  siege  of  Knoxville  commenced  on  the  19th  of  Novem 
ber,  and  continued  to,  and  including,  the  4th  of  December — a 
period  of  sixteen  days,  not  six  weeks  as  some  writers  have 
stated ;  although  sixteen  days  of  sleepless  anxiety  and  sus 
pense,  on  one-fourth  rations — our  little  army  of  twelve  thou 
sand  men  confronted  by  a  force  of  nearly  three  times  its  num 
bers — sixteen  days  under  such  circumstances  was  long  enough , 
and  it  is  no  wonder  that  it  seems  to  some  of  the  besieged 
soldiers  to  have  been  six  weeks,  or  even  six  months. 


CHAPTEE  XIV. 

IN  PURSUIT  OF  LONGSTREET. 
SCOUTING  AND  SKIRMISHING — THE  112TH  DISMOUNTED. 

MARCH  TO  MT.  STERLING,  KY. 
REORGANIZATION    OF   THE    BRIGADE. 

The  112th  Illinois  and  the  8th  Michigan  cavalry  now  consti 
tuted  the  2nd  Brigade,  1st  Division,  Cavalry  Corps  of  the  Ar 
my  of  the  Ohio. 

Major  Dow  was  still  in  command  of  the  regiment,  and  Lieut. 
Col.  Bond  commanded  the  brigade,  and  Col.  Wolford  the  di 
vision.  The  column  marched  eight  miles  on  the  Rutledge 
road,  on  the  5th  of  December,  and  camped  for  the  night  in  the 
woods.  A  considerable  number  of  prisoners  were  captured, 
mostly  stragglers,  many  of  whom  seemed  glad  of  an  opportun 
ity  to  visit  Knoxville,  even  as  prisoners  of  war. 

The  Union  forces  on  other  roads  moved  slowly,  and  Col. 
Wolford  was  directed  to  govern  the  movements  of  the  division 
accordingly,  and  not  advance  beyond  them.  The  command 
was  ready  to  move  at  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  6th,  but 
did  not  move  until  ten. 

The  rebels  had  V^strong  rear  guard,  and  orders  were  given 
not  to  attack,  but  to  press  them  slowly  and  cautiously.  March 
ed  about  four  miles  and  captured  fifty  prisoners.  Co.  C,  of 
the  112th  Illinois,  while  on  picket  at  night,  captured  twenty- 
four  prisoners  and  thirteen  horses.  On  the  7th  advanced 
three  miles,  and  lay  in  line  of  battle  in  the  woods  until  dark, 
and  then  moved  forward  two  miles  and  bivouacked  on  Flat 


170  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Creek.  Reveille  at  4  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  and 
moved  at  seven.  Marched  fifteen  miles  and  camped  within 
one  mile  of  Rutledge — the  comity  seat  of  Granger  county— 
thirty-two  miles  from  Knoxville.  This  day's  march  was  over  a 
rough,  rocky,  poor  and  dilapidated  country,  along  the  foot  of 
the  Clinch  Mountains.  There  were  few  men  in  the  country, 
and  tae  women  were  intensely  rebel,  and  boasted  of  their  hos 
tility  to  the  Union.  They  were  as  ignorant  as  plantation 
slaves,  and  so  homely  that  they  were  actually  repulsive.  The 
weather  was  cold,  raw  and  windy.  The  country,  the  people 
and  the  weather  were  alike  miserable  and  disagreeable. 

Reveille  at  4  o.clock  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  and  moved 
at  seven.  Pushed  the  rebels  hard,  and  captured  a  large  num 
ber  of  prisoners.  Arrived  at  Bean's  Station — forty-nine  miles 
from  Knoxville — at  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  the  1121  h 
Illinois  was  immediately  ordered  out  on  a  recormoissance. 
Proceeded  out  five  miles,  captured  nine  prisoners  and  returned 
to  Bean's  Station  in  the  evening.  The  main  rebel  force  was 
reported  to  be  moving  on  the  Morristown  road.  Forage  for 
horses  was  plenty,  but  the  men  were  suffering  with  hunger. 
Roads  were  impassable  for  wagons,  and  consequently  110  sup 
plies  were  received  after  leaving  Knoxville. 

Remained  in  camp  and  rested  on  the  tenth.  Scouts  report 
ed  the  enemy  in  force  within  eight  miles,  on  the  Rodgersville 
road. 

An -inspection  was  had  at  one  o'clock,  after  which  Col.  Wol- 
ford  made  a  speech  to  the  112th  in  relation  to  Gen.  Burnside's 
management  of  the  campaign  in  East  Tennessee— he  having 
announced  his  intention  of  retiring  from  the  command  of  the 
department  as  soon  as  his  successor  should  be  appointed. 
Col.  Wolford  spoke  highly  of  Gen.  Burnside,  both  as  an  officer 
and  as  a  man,  and  regretted  his  resignation— sentiments  which 
were  heartily  approved  by  the  officers  and  men  of  the  112th 
Illinois. 

A  meeting  of  all  the  officers  of  the  cavalry  corps  was  held  at 
Gen.  Shackleford's  head  quarters  in  the  evening,  and  resolu 
tions  of  confidence  and  respect  were  unanimously  adopted,  and 
several  speeches  made,  highly  eulogistic  of  Gen.  Burnside, 
which  were  heartily  endorsed  by  all  present. 


IN  PURSUIT  OF  THE  REBEL'S.  171 

Another  brigade  of  cavalry  engaged  the  enemy  on  the  Mor- 
ristown  road,  on  the  llth,  and  the  112th  Illinois  and  the  7th 
Illinois  battery  were  ordered  to  its  support.  They  reached  the 
river,  five  miles  from  Bean's  Station,  when  the  order  was 
countermanded  and  they  returned  to  camp.  Lieut.  Col.  Bond 
was  directed  to  move  out  on  the  Kodgersville  road  with  his 
brigade  on  the  12th,  and  reconnoiter  the  enemy's  position. 
He  found  a  force  of  rebels  of  one  thousand  strong,  posted  sev 
en  miles  from  Bean's  Station,  and  attacked  and  drove  in  their 
pickets.  He  was  instructed  not  to  bring  on  an  engagement, 
and  after  developing  the  enemy's  strength  and  position,  re 
turned  to  camp  at  four  o'clock. 

Neither  men  nor  horses  on  the  Union  side  were  in  condition 
to  fight  or  march.  They  had  not  recovered  from  their  long 
fast  in  Knoxville.  Our  lines  of  communication  had  not  been 
reestablished,  and  the  subsistence  afforded  by  the  country  over 
which  Long-street's  army  had  passed  was  small  in  quantity 
and  poor  in  quality.  Some  forage  had  been  found  for  the 
horses,  but  rations  for  the  men  were  painfully  scarce.  The 
prospect  of  obtaining  supplies  from  over  the  mountains  in  mid 
winter  was  not  extremely  flattering.  It  would  tax  the  supply 
trains  to  their  utmost  capacity  to  furnish  the  whole  army  with 
clothing,  and  the  infantry  with  food.  Under  these  circum 
stances  it  was  absolutely  necessary  that  the  cavalry  should 
subsist  upon  the  country  ;  and  while  men  and  horses  wrere  half- 
starved,  and  were  engaged  in  scouring  the  country  for  sufficient 
food  .  to  keep  themselves  alive,  it  was  not  deemed  safe 
to  bring  on  a  general  engagement  with  the  enemy.  If 
the  rebel  army  would  move  on  and  permit  us  to  occupy  the 
country,  it  was  all  that  was  asked,  but  we  could  not  safely 
make  an  attack  when  defeat  might  result  in  destruction. 

On  the  ll-Jtli  the  rebels  attacked  our  forage  trains  and  drove 
them  in.  Not  content  with  that  they  attacked  the  Union  pick 
ets,  and  after  a  severe  skirmish  drove  them  in.  The  com 
mand  turned  out  on  a  double  quick  and  drove  the  rebel  force 
b.ick  live  miles,  and  returned  to  camp  at  dark. 

Quite  a  number  of  the  112th  men  who  had  been  captured  in 
Kentucky  and  on  the  Saunders  raid  into  East  Tennessee,  the 
previous  summer,  having  been  exchanged,  rejoined  the  reg- 


17'2  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

iment  011  the  14th.  They  came  over  the  mountains  from  Ken 
tucky  with  a  train,  and  with  them  came  a  mail  from  home— 
the  first  we  had  received  for  more  than  a  month.  All  were 
busily  engaged  far  into  the  night  in  reading  letters  from  the 
loved  ones  at  home — some  with  troubled  faces  as  they  learned 
for  the  iirst_ time  of  sickness  or  death  in  the  family  circle  at 
home,  others  with  gladness  as  they  perused  tender  missives 
from  wives  or  sweethearts. 

On  the  morning  of  the  14th  scouts  were  sent  out,  and  re 
ported  that  no  force  of  the  enemy  was  nearer  than  Rock 
Springs.  Co.  K  of  the  112th,  under  command  of  Capt.  Col- 
cord,  was  on  picket  in  front  of  the  2nd  Brigade.  •  Everybody 
was  engaged  in  writing  letters,  feeling  secure  from  attack, 
when,  about  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  a  strong  rebel  force 
suddenly  appeared  and  made  an  unexpected  and  fierce  attack 
upon  the  pickets.  The  rebel  advance  wore  blue  overcoats,  and 
rode  up  to  the  vedettes  without  exciting  suspicion,  the  guards 
supposing  them  to  be  Union  soldiers.  On  being  halted  the  re 
bels  opened  fire  and  at  once  rushed  upon  the  pickets.  Capt. 
Colcord  was  directed  to  hold  them  in  check  as  long  as  possible, 
and  did  so,  successfully  repulsing  every  attack,  until  columns 
of  rebel  infantry  threatened  his  flanks,  when  he  fell  back  across 
a  creek  and  burnt  the  bridge.  The  rebel  cavalry  swam  the 
creek,  however,  and  continued  to  advance.  In  the  meantime 
the  Union  forces  turned  out  on  double-quick  and  were  rapidly 
placed  in  position,  the  112th  Illinois  in  front,  deployed  as 
skirmishers,  dismounted,  and  Capt.  Colcord  fell  back  slowly 
to  its  lines.  Capt.  Colcord  received  several  orders  from  Gen. 
Burnside  to  hold  the  enemy  in  check  until  he  could  get  his 
forces  in  position  ;  and  he  personally  complimented  the  Cap- 
;ain  for  the  admirable  manner  in  which  he  had  performed  the 
.luty. 

The  rebels  advanced  in  heavy  force,  and  the  Union  line  retir 
ed  slowly,  skirmishing  all  the  way,  about  three  miles.  It  was 
now  dark  and  the  112th  was  ordered  to  hold  its  position  at  all 
hazards  until  morning.  This  it  did,  without  being  disturbed, 
until  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  15th,  when  the  rebels 
again  advanced  to  the  attack  ;  but  they  were  held  in  check  un 
til  the  infantry  obtained  a  good  position,  when  the  regiment 


HELD  IN  CHECK.  178 

was  relieved  and  retired  within  the  infantry  lines.  At  seven 
o'clock  in  the  evening  the  whole  command  fell  back  to  llut- 
ledge,  where  it  arrived  at  one  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the 
16th ;  and  at  seven  o'clock  again  fell  back,  closely  pursued  by 
the  enemy,  and  constantly  engaged  in  heavy  skirmishing,  to 
Blame's  Cross  Roads.  Here  a  halt  was  called  and  prepara 
tions  made  to  fight,  but  nothing  beyond  heavy  skirmishing  oc 
curred.  At  dark  the  Union  force  was  again  put  in  motion,  and 
inarched  four  miles  toward  Strawberry  Plains,  to  Stone's  Mills, 
where  it  arrived  late  at  night,  in  a  heavy  rain  storm,  cold,  wet, 
weary  and  hungry — having  had  but  one  meal,  and  that  a  light 
one,  in  forty-eight  hours. 

A  flouring  mill  full  of  wheat,  on  Highland  Creek,  was  taken 
possession  of  by  the  1st  Division,  and  Serg.  C.  B.  Hunt,  with  a 
guard  from  Co.  I,  of  the  112th,  was  placed  in  charge.  Serg. 
Lincoln  S.  Baugh.  of  Co.  C,  was  installed  as  chief  miller,  and 
soon  the  division  was  supplied  with  flour.  The  mill  with  the 
wheat  in  store  was  considered  a  great  prize,  (leu.  Spears  dis 
covered  what  was  going  on,  and  ordered  Serg.  Hunt  to  leave  the 
mill  at  once.  Serg.  Hunt  informed  him  that  he  was  there  by 
order  of  Col.  Wolford,  his  division  commander,  and  refused  to 
vacate.  Gen.  Spears  then  sent  a  captain  with  a  company  of 
infantry  to  take  possession  of  the  mill,  but  the  boys  locked  and 
barricaded  the  doors  and  refused  to  admit  them.  The  captain 
then  ordered  them  all  under  arrest,  but,  in  the  meantime, 
Serg.  Hunt  had  informed  Col  Wolford  of  the  situation,  and  he 
had  them  released,  and  they  retained  the  mill.  The  rebels  al 
so  discovered  the  mill  and  opened  fire  upon  it  with  a  battery 
and  endeavored  to  shell  the  boys  out,  but  our  Indiana  battery 
wheeled  into  position  and  soon  silenced  their  guns. 

Flour  mixed  with  water,  without  grease,  salt  or  saleratus, 
and  baked  in  ashes,  does  not  make  the  most  palatable  bread, 
but  it  is  much  better  than  no  bread,  and  the  mill  was  truly  a 
prize  for  the  short  time  it  was  held. 

The  enemy  attacked  and  drove  in  the  Union  pickets  on  the 
17th,  and  the  112th  was  ordered  out,  dismounted,  to  support  a 
battery.  There  was  considerable  artillery  firing  and  some  skir 
mishing,  during  the  day,  and  at  night  a  heavy  skirmish  line 
was  thrown  out  and  the  troops  lay  on  their  arms  all  night. 


174  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

The  112th  remained  on  duty  in  support  of  the  battery  on  the 
18th,  but  there  was  no  fighting.  At  8  o'clock  in  the  evening 
moved  out  three  miles  on  the  Strawberry  Plains  road,  intend 
ing  to  cross  the  Holston  River ;  but  on  account  of  the  heavy 
rains,  the  river  was  unfordable,  and  the  next  morning  the  com 
mand  moved  back  toward  Elaine's  Cross  Eoads,  about  four 
miles,  and  went  into  camp  to  wait  for  the  water  to  subside. 

Thus  ended  our  first  encounter  with  the  rear  of  Longstreet's 
army.  Let  us  now  go  back  to  Bean's  Station.  On  the  15th 
Capt.  Colcord  with  his  company  (K),  by  special  direction  of 
Gen.  Burnside,  recomioitered  the  Cumberland  Gap  road ;  and 
on  the  16th  Capt.  Sroufe,  in  command  of  five  companies  of  the 
ll'2th  Illinois,  also  proceeded  np  the  same  road,  and  after  a 
hard  march  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Stone's  Mills.  Other  de 
tachments  were  sent  out,  but  the  author  has  been  unable  to 
obtain  sufficient  data  to  mention  them. 

The  casualties  of  the  112th  Illinois  from  the  13th  to  the  16th 
of  December  were  as  follows  : 

Killed— Bradley  W.  Diltz,  of  Co.  A. 

Wounded — Stafford  Godfrey  and  Washington  Gooding,  of 
Co.  A ;  Samuel  Long  and  Robert  Gay,  of  Co.  I ;  William  An 
derson  and  Edward  Miller,  of  Co.  C ;  Edward  Garrett,  of  Co. 
H  ;  Lieut.  Samuel  W.  Weaver  and  Jabez  Bartiett,  of  Co.  K. 

Captured — Joseph  Hoppock,  of  Co.  F,  (died  in  rebel  prison). 

As  the  regiment  was  going  into  camp,  after  dark,  on  the 
16th,  Daniel  Roberts,  of  Co.  I,  rode  down  to  Highland  Creek 
to  water  his  horse,  and  in  the  darkness  fell  over  a  cliff  and  was 
seriously  injured.  His  thigh  was  broken  and  he  was  crippled 
for  life. 

On  the  20th  of  December  pay  rolls  were  made  out  and  sign 
ed,  and  at  9  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  paymaster  commenced 
paying  the  112th  for  the  two  months  ending  October  31,  1863, 
and  the  whole  regiment  was  paid  that  night. 

At  tw:o  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  23d,  the  camp  was 
aroused  and  the  command  ordered  to  be  ready  to  move  at  four 
o'clock.  The  weather  was  very  cold,  the  ground  frozen  and 
the  roads  rough.  The^recent  rains  had  washed  away  many 
bridges  and  cut  deep  gullies  in  the  roads.  Lieut.  B.  F. 
Thompson,  with  a  detail  of  thirty  men  of  the  112fch,  was  or- 


OUR  CHRISTMAS  DINNER.  175 

derecl  to  proceed  at  once  to  McKinney's  Ford,  on  the  Holston 
River,  repairing  tiie  road  and  bridges  on  the  way,  and  there 
scarp  the  river  banks  so  the  command  could  move  down  to 
and  ge^  out  of  the  river,  and  keep  the  opposite  landing  in  con 
dition  so  the  troops  could  move  up  the  bank.  In  fording  a 
river  by  cavalry,  every  horse  carries  out  a  little  water,  which 
drips  upon  the  ground,  and  a  hard,  solid  bank  will  soon  be 
come  a  quagmire,  unless  men  are  kept  at  work  with  shovels 
and  spades  to  keep  it  in  repair.  The  river  was  wide,  the  wa 
ter  deep,  rapid  and  muddy,  and  it  looked  like  a  dubious  un 
dertaking  to  attempt  to  ford  it ;  but  it  was  successfully  cross 
ed,  and  the  command  then  marched  to  New  Market,  on  the 
railroad,  where  it  arrived  at  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

At  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  24th  Col.  Girrard's  brig 
ade  of  cavalry,  which  was  in  advance,  became  engaged  with 
the  enemy  and  had  some  hard  fighting.  Our  brigade  occupied 
a  position  on  a  hill,  on  his  right,  and  lay  in  line  of  battle  all 
day,  but  was  not  engaged. 

December  25 tb  was  anything  but  a  "Merry  Christmas"  to 
our  112th  boys.  Rirnst  turkey,  plum  puddings  and  pumpkin 
pies  were  not  to  be  obtained.  Instead,  Ihey  dined  on  parched 
corn,  or  coin-bread  baked  in  ashes.  Canteens  were  split  open 
and  made  into  graters  by  punching  holes  with  a  bayonet,  and 
the  corn  grated,  as  our  mothers  grated  nutmegs,  and  the  meal, 
mixed  with  nothing  but  water,  made  into  bread.  Our  Christ 
inas  dinner  was  not  sumptuous,  but  it  was  healthy.  Having 
an  opportunity  to  send  to  Knoxville,  by  a  guard  with  prison 
ers,  the  author,  among  others,  sent  for  some  salaratus,  salt 
and  pepper.  These  little  condiments  made  the  food  more  pal 
atable,  but  they  were  expensive  luxuries.  The  salaratus  cost 
$1  per  pound,  the  salt  $1.25  per  pound,  and  the  pepper  $1.50 
per  pound,  in  government  greenbacks.  Why  the  salt  cost 
more  than  the  salaratus  no  one  but  an  army  sutler  can  ex 
plain. 

The  112th  occupied  the  position  of  the  day  before  until  two 
o'clock,  when  it  was  ordered  to  relieve  the  65th  Indiana,  on 
picket  at  Flat  Gap,  four  miles  from  New  Market.  A  rebel 
force  was  at  Dandridge,  and  their  picket  posts  were  within  a 
mile  of  Flat  (Tap.  One-half  of  the  regiment  remained  under 


176  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

arms  all  night  in  anticipation  of  an  attack,  but  no  hostile  dem 
onstrations  were  made  by  the  enemy. 

The  regiment  remained  at  Flat  Gap,  performing  picket  du 
ty  and^foraging,  until  the  afternoon  of  the  27th,  when  it  rejoined 
the  command  at  New  Market,  and  the  whole  force'immediate- 
ly  marched  to  Mossy  Creek,  arriving  there  at  5  o'clock  in  the 
evening. 

All  was  quiet  on  the  28th,  but  the  brigade  was  kept  in  read 
iness  to  march  at  a  moment's  notice. 

Reveille  at  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  29th,  and  at 
five  o'clock  our  brigade  and  the  Second  Division  of  cavalry 
proceeded  to  Dandridge,  on  the  French  Broad  River.  The 
Union  force  left  at  Mossy  Creek  was  attacked  during  the  day 
by  a  superior  force  of  rebels,  but  after  a  hard  fight  the  rebels 
were  repulsed,  and  each  side  occupied  its  former  position. 

The  Union  loss  was  fifty  killed  and  wounded. 

The  force  at  Dandridge  started  to  return,  but  was  cut  off  and 
compelled  to  go  around  by  the  way  of  Bay  Mountain,  and  af 
ter  a  hard  march  of  twenty-four  miles,  in  a  heavy  rain  storm, 
arrived  at  Mossy  Creek  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

The  command  was  ordered  to  be  prepared  for  any  emergen 
cy  on  the  morning  of  the  30th— either  to  march  or  fight,  as 
might  be  required,  but  no  demonstration  was  made  on  either 
side.  The  morning  was  clear  and  cold,  but  at  dark  it  com 
menced  raining,  and  continued  to  rain  constantly,  accompan 
ied  by  high,  blustering  winds,  until  early  in  the  morning  of 
the  first  day  of  January,  1864,  when  the  wind  suddenly  chang 
ed  and  the  temperature  fell  to  twenty-nine  degrees  below  zero. 
The  north  winds  pierced  like  sharp  knives,  and  nothing  could 
be  done  but  build  great  log  fires  and  endeavor  to  keep  warm. 

The  112th  remained  at  Mossy  Creek  until  January  14th,  do 
ing  picket  duty  and  foraging  for  provisions.  The  weather  was 
too  cold  for  military  movements,  and  by  common  consent  Un 
ion  and  rebel  pickets  frequently  stacked  their  arms  and  built 
fires  on  the  posts,  and  stood  around  them  in  the  vain  attempt 
to  keep  warm,  until  one  side  would  warn  the  other  to  "look 
out." 

Foraging  parties  were  sent  into  the  country  daily,  and  fre 
quent  brisk  skirmishes  occurred  between  Union  and  rebel  par- 


AT  MOSSY  CHEEK  AND  DANDRIDGE.  177 

ties  for  the  possession  of  a  mill  or  a  corn  crib,  and  it  was  no 
unusual  occurrence  for  the  forage  trains  to  be  driven  into 
camp  empty. 

At  11  o'clock  on  the  night  of  the  13th  the  command  received 
orders  to  be  ready  to  move  at  daylight  on  the  following  morn 
ing,  and  the  next  day  marched  to  Dandridge— twelve  miles- 
arriving  there  at  noon.  The  enemy  occupied  the  town.  Com 
panies  B,  C  and  I),  of  the  112th  Illinois,  were  deployed  as 
skirmishers,  and,  supported  by  the  remainder  of  the  regiment, 
attacked  and  drove  the  rebels  out  of  town  and  pursued  them 
three  miles  into  the  country.  Beturned  and  went  into  camp 
near  town  late  in  the  evening. 

Col.  Henderson  returned  to  the  regiment  on  the  14th,  and 
was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  brigade,  and  Lieut.  Col. 
Bond  assumed  command  of  the  regiment.  Capt.  Wright  also 
returned  about  the  same  time. 

A  division  of  infantry,  in  command  of  Gen.  Phil.  H.  Sheri 
dan,  arrived  at  Dandridge  on  the  15th.  No  fighting  occurr 
ed  during  the  day.  The  rebels  attacked  the  pickets  at  night 
but  were  driven  off  without  loss. 

Keveille  at  4  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  16th,  and  at 
seven  the  command  moved  to  the  front,  Col.  Adams'  brigade 
in  advance.  Col.  Adams  met  the  enemy  two  miles  out,  ad 
vancing  in  force.  The  112th  Illinois  deployed  as  skirmishers, 
and  attacked  and  drove  in  the  enemy's  skirmish  line,  and  was 
then  ordered  to  retire,  and  fell  back  to  the  line  of  infantry  near 
town,  closely  pursued  by  the  enemy.  Gen.  Sheridan  then  ad 
vanced  the  infantry  and  drove  the  rebels  back,  and  the  112th 
returned  to  camp. 

The  enemy  advanced  and  attacked  the  Union  skirmish  line, 
just  afternoon,  on  Sunday,  the  17th,  and  there  was  consider 
able  heavy  fighting  until  dark.  A  large  force  of  Longstreet's 
infantry  was  in  our  front,  and  Gen.  Granger,  in  command  of 
the  Union  troops,  placed  his  divisions  in  position  for  a  general 
battle,  which  it  was  expected  would  commence  early  on  Mon 
day  moi'iiing — the  18th. 

It  was  ascertained,  however,  that  a  heavy  force  of  the  enemy 
had  gained  possession  of  the  fords  on  the  river,  and  had  cut  off 
-12 


178  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

our  lines  of  communication  with  Knoxville,  at  the  same  time 
threatening  the  latter  place.  To  interpose  the  Union  army 
between  the  rebel  army  and  Knoxville  was  deemed  a  military 
necessity,  but  it  could  only  be  accomplished  by  a  long  detour 
to  the  north,  by  the  way  of  Strawberry  Plains,  and  thence 
down  the  Holstpn  to  Knoxville,  and  there  reeross  the  Holston 
south  of  the  French  Broad. 

This  Gen.  Granger  determined  to  do,  and  at  9  o'clock  in  the 
evening  the  whole  command  was  ordered  to  move  promptly  at 
eleven  o'clock.  In  the  evening  Capt.  Otman,  with  his  compa 
ny,  was  ordered  to  occupy  an  advanced  position  on  the  main 
road,  and  to  hold  it  until  4  o'clock  the  next  morning,  and  then 
fall  back  slowly,  holding  the  rebel  cavalry  in  check  until  the 
army  trains  had  crossed  the  Holston  Elver  near  New  Market. 
Capt.  McCartney,  with  Co.  G,  in  command  of  Lieut.  Milchrist, 
and  Co.  B,  in  command  of  Lieut.  Thompson,  was  also  directed 
to  occupy  another  position,  near  the  left,  and  watch  the  ene 
my's  movements  until  3  o'clock  in  the  morning,  unless  sooner 
discovered,  and  then  retire  slowly  and  follow  the  main  column. 

The  troops  moved  out  at  11  o'clock,  and  marched  all  night 
and  the  next  day ;  crossed  the  Holston  River  six  miles  above 
Strawberry  Plains  on  the  18th,  and  thence  continued  on  to 
Strawberry  Plains — arriving  there  at  8  o'clock  in  the  evening. 
It  rained  nearly  all  the  time  and  the  roads  were  muddy  and 
heavy,  and  the  men  and  horses  were  completely  worn  out. 

The  column  was  again  in  motion  at  7  o'clock  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  19th,  and  arrived  at  Knoxville  at  six  in  the  evening, 
and  camped  near  the  town.  The  horses  had  had  no  breakfast 
or  dinner,  and  not  a  mouthful  could  be  obtained  at  Knoxville, 
and  the  poor  animals  were  in  a  pitiable  condition. 

Companies  G  and  B  remained  in  position  at  Dandridge,  so 
near  the  rebel  lines  they  could  hear  their  conversation,  until 
the  sky  in  the  east  showed  signs  of  daybreak,  and  then  moved 
silently  away  and  rejoined  the  command  at  Strawberry  Plains 
the  following  evening.  They  found  several  boxas  of  new  cloth 
ing  and  blankets  on  the  road,  which  some  demoralized  quar 
ter-master  had  abandoned,  and  every  man  loaded  his  horse 
with  all  he  could  carry.  The  men  were  sadly  in  need  of  cloth 
ing  and  blankets,  and  after  supplying  their  own  companies, 


RETREATING  TOWARD  KNOXYIKLE.  179 

Capt.  McCartney  and  Lieut.  Thompson  freely  distributed  the 
remainder  among  the  most  destitute  men  in  the  regiment. 
The  quarter-master  afterwards  put  in  appearance  and  attempt 
ed  to  make  them  account  for  the  goods,  but  failed  to  do  so. 

Capt.  Otman  remained  in  position  until  4  o'clock,  and  then 
fell  back  to  Dandridge,  where  he  found  a  number  of  stragglers 
from  the  Union  army. 

He  started  these  off,  and  followed  slowly,  on  the  road  tow 
ards  Strawberry  Plains.  At  daylight  the  rebel  cavalry  ap 
peared  in  sight  and  commenced  firing.  Capt.  Otman  took  po 
sition  with  his  company  and  returned  the  fire,  and  brought 
them  to  a  stand.  Having  a  superior  force,  they  threw  down 
the  fences  and  attempted  to  flank  him,  and  not  knowing  how 
far  he  was  from  support,  the  captain  fell  back  and  took  a  new 
position,  with  the  same  experience  as  before.  This  was  con 
tinued  all  day  until  near  night,  when  the  company  was  so 
hard  pressed  that  Gen.  Willich,  in  charge  of  the  supply  and 
ammunition  trains,  sent  the  10th  Indiana  infantry  regiment 
to  its  support.  Owning  to  the  Confederate  cavalry  being  armed 
with  carbines,  their  fire  wras  comparatively  harmless,  as  the 
long-range  Enfield  rifles  kept  them  at  a  respectful  distance. 
Serg.  Gharrett's  horse  was  shot  under  him,  but  none  of  the 
men  were  hit. 

At  night  the  company  occupied  a  strong  position  in  rear  of 
Gen.  Willich's  brigade,  and  was  not  disturbed.  The  next  day 
the  company  crossed  the  river.  All  the  other  troops  and  the 
trains  had  crossed,  and  rails  were  piled  under  the  bridge  ready 
to  be  fired,  and  the  bridge  was  burned  as  soon  as  Co.  E  had 
crossed.  The  company  then  marched  rapidly  to  Knoxville  and 
there  rejoined  the  regiment. 

The  112th  had  several  men  wounded  and  captured  in  the 
operations  about  New  Market,  Mossy  Creek  and  Dandridge, 
but  the  fi'ithor  has  been  unable  to  obtain  the  n/tmes  or  number 
of  them.  One  man,  William  H.  Buchanan  of  Co.  C,  was  left 
sick  at  Mew  Market,  and  believing  he  could  not  live,  Lieut  Pet- 
rie  left  money  to  pay  his  expenses  and  bury  him.  But  he  was 
captured  by  the  enemy,  afterwards  exchanged,  and  died  in 
hospital  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  on  the  20th  day  of  February,  1864. 

The  112th  Illinois,  with  other  mounted  troops,  crossed  the 


180  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

river  at  Knoxville,  at  sunrise  on  the  20th  of  January,  and  pro 
ceeded  towards  Sevierville,  the  county  seat  of  Sevier  County, 
south  of  the  French  Broad.  At  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  bi 
vouacked  for  the  night  in  a  country  well  supplied  with  corn 
and  forage,  and  the  horses  fared  sumptuously. 

llemained  here  until  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  21st, 
when  the  men  were  each  supplied  with  one  hundred  rounds  of 
cartridges,  and  the  command  moved  two  miles  beyond  Sevier 
ville  and  camped  in  a  beautiful  pine  grove.  Crossed  the  Pig 
eon  Eiver  at  its  forks  at  Sevierville  and  passed  through  Pigeon 
Valley — equal  in  beauty  to  any  in  the  country — a  perfect  Gar 
den  of  Eden.  It  seemed  a  desecration  for  armed  men,  engag 
ed  in  war,  to  trample  upon  its  beauty  and  parity. 

Moved  at  9  o'clock  on  the  22nd,  and  marched  eight  miles  to 
Fair  Garden. 

Our  advance  captured  five  rebel  wagons  and  the  guard  of 
twenty  men. 

On  the  23d  captured  a  train  of  eleven  wagons  and  seventy 
prisoners. 

The  country  abounded  with  corn  and  forage  and  water,  and 
it  was  not  surprising  that  the  rebel  cavalry  were  unwilling  to 
leave  it. 

On  the  24th  the  command  moved  back  two  miles  on  the 
Sevierville  road  ;  and  on  the  25th  retired  to  within  three  miles 
of  Sevierville  and  camped  near  Dr.  Hodgedeii's  place  on  Pig 
eon  Eiver. 

Col.  Henderson's  official  report  of  the  operations  of  his  bri 
gade,  consisting  of  the  112th  Illinois  and  8bh  Michigan  caval 
ry,  on  the  26th.  27th  and  28th  of  January,  contains  a  full  his 
tory  of  the  movements  of  the  112th  during  that  time,  and  is  as 
follows : 

UH'D  QRS.  2ND  BRIG.  IST  Div.  CAV.  CORPS,  ARMY  OF  THE  OHIO, 

Maryville,  Tenn.,  February  4,  1864. 
LIEUTENANT : 

I  have  the  honor  respectfully  to  submit  the  following 
report  of  the  part  which  my  brigade,  composed  of  the  112th 
Illinois  Volunteer  Mounted  Infantry  and  the  8th  Michigan 
Volunteer. Cavalry,  took  in  the  cavalry  engagements  above 


COL.  HENDERSON'S  REPORT.  181 

Sevierville  on  the  26th,  27th  and  28th  days  of  January,  1864 : 

On  the  morning  of  the  26th  of  January,  under  orders  from 
Col.  Wolford,  in  command  of  the  1st  Division  Cavalry  Corps,  I 
moved  my  brigade,  in  rear  of  the  1st  Brigade,  commanded  by 
Lieut.  Col.  Adams,  from  near  Dr.  Hodgedeir  s,  where  we  were 
then  in  camp,  to  Fowler's,  on  the  road  from  Sevierville  to  Fail- 
Garden.  We  arrived  at  Fowler's  about  12  o'clock  M.,  and 
halted. 

About  3  o'clock  p.  m.  our  pickets  were  attacked  by  the  ene 
my  approaching  from  the  direction  of  Fair  Garden. 

Under  orders  from  Col.  Wolford  I  immediately  formed  the 
112th  Illinois  in  line,  on  the  right  of  the  1st  Brigade,  holding 
the  8th  Michigan  cavalry  in  reserve. 

The  enemy  drove  in  our  pickets  and  skirmishers  rapidly,  and 
soon  firing  was  heavy  all  along  our  line.  At  this  time, 
fearing  the  left  of  our  line  was  exposed,  by  direction  of  Col. 
Wolford  part  of  the  8th  Michigan  cavalry  was  sent  to  picket 
the  Dandridge  road  in  our  rear,  and  the  rest  to  cover  the  left 
of  our  line  and  guard  against  any  movement  of  the  enemy  from 
that  direction,  but,  as  I  learn  from  Major  Edgerly,  command 
ing  the  8th  Michigan,  before  he  got  his  men  in  position  the  en 
emy  had  already  succeeded  in  flanking  us  on  the  left. 

They  had  penetrated  through  the  woods  and  down  a  ravine, 
when,  with  a  yell,  they  opened  up  a  heavy  fire  and  seemed  to 
be  making  for  our  horses.  The  left  of  our  line  now  gave  way 
and  fell  back  hastily  to  their  horses.  The  112th  Illinois  and 
llth  Kentucky  cavalry  maintained  their  position  firmly  until 
ordered  by  Col.  Wolford  to  fall  back  and  mount,  which  was 
done  in  good  order ;  and  then,  by  direction  of  Col.  Wolford,  I 
moved  back  across  Flat  Creek  and  to  the  gap,  where  eight  com 
panies  of  the  112th  Illinois  were  dismounted  and  formed  in  line 
on  the  hill  to  hold  the  enemy  in  check  and  cover  the  retreat  of 
our  forces,  which  they  did  in  a  gallant  manner,  holding  their 
positions  until  all  had  passed  through  the  gap. 

The  enemy  did  not  pursue  us  further,  and  by  orders  we  then 
moved  back  on  the  Sevierville  road,  to  within  about  two  miles 
of  Sevierville,  and  went  into  camp. 

I  have  no  means  of  knowing  what  command  of  the  enemy 
we  were  engaged  with,  its  strength,  or  what  punishment  was 


182  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

inflicted  upon  it.  In  my  command  four  were  wounded  in  the 
112th  Illinois— three  severely  and  one  slightly.  None  in  Hie 
8th  Michigan. 

On  the  morning  of  the  27th  of  January  we  moved  bac-k  <o 
the  gap  at  Flat  Creek,  under  orders  from  Col.  Woltord— my 
brigade  in  the  advance — but  found  no  enemy.  After  remain 
ing  in  position  some  two  hours,  I  was  ordered  to  move  my  bri 
gade  in  rear  of  Lieut.  Col.  Adams'  to  Dickey's,  some  three 
miles  from  Sevierville,  and  near  which  pla<  e  Col.  M<-CooVs 
division  had  engaged  the  enemy.  Col.  Mc'JooVs  divisi  m  was 
driving  the  enemy  handsomely  when  we  ai'rivecl  up  m  tie 
ground,  and  continued  to  do  so  during  the  day.  The  only  pa  :t 
my  brigade  had  in  the  movements  of.  the  day  was  the  dis 
mounting  of  the  112th  Illinois  and  moving  it  up  in  the  ceirer 
to  fill  an  opening  between  the  right  and  left  of  Col.  McCo  k's 
line,  and  to  guard  against  any  reverse  that  might  befall  Cv  1. 
La-Grange's  brigade  on  the  left ;  but  the  galLmtry  of  Col.  Mc- 
Cook's  command  gave  us  no  opportunity  to  unload  our  rifles. 
We,  however,  occupied  during  the  night,  with  orders  to  hold, 
the  last  position  from  which  the  enemy  had  been  gloriously 
driven,  where  a  battle-nag,  two  pieces  of  artillery  and  a  num 
ber  of  prisoners  had  been  captured,  and  where  the  lamented 
Lieut.  Col.  Leslie  of  the  4th  Indiana  cavalry  had  fallen  while 
leading  a  gallant  and  successful  saber  charge  upon  the  enemy. 

On  the  28th  of  January  we  moved  early  in  the  morning  to 
Fair  Garden  and  on  the  road  to  Dandridge,  to  a  point  near 
Kelly's  Ford,  where  we  found  the  enemy  in  a  strong  positi  m 
and  fortified.  Here,  under  orders  from  C,)l.  Wolford,  we  dis 
mounted  and  formed  in  line — my  brigade  on  the  right  of  the 
1st  Brigade,  and  the  112th  Illinois  on  the  extreme  right.  We 
were  then  ordered  to  advance,  charge  the  enemy  and  drive  him 
from  the  hill.  The  men  advanced  gallantly  to  within  thirty 
or  forty  yards  of  the  enemy,  who  lay  on  a  crest  of  a  hill  extend 
ing  around  our  entire  front  in  crescent  form,  and  behind  tem 
porary  breast  wrrks  made  of  logs,  when  the  enemy  poured  a 
teir  fL*  fire  up  m  u->  and  checked  our  advance  ;  infac:'  the  line 
for  a  moment  fell  back  a  little,  but  the  men  soon  rallied  and 
held  their  position  for  more  than  two  hours  and  until  ordered 
to  fall  back.  In  the  fight  the  men  were  much  exposed.  As  I 


KILLED  AND  WOUNDED.  183 

have  said,  the  hill  occupied  by  the  enemy  was  in  the  form  of  a 
crescent,  and  as  we  advanced  within  the  circle  of  it,  our  front 
not  being  sufficient  to  cover  that  of  the  enemy,  we  were  expos 
ed  to  an  enfilading  fire  on  both  flanks  as  well  as  a  heavy  fire 
in  front.  Yet  both  officers  and  men  behaved  well  and  fought 
bravely  until  the  order  came  to  fall  back. 

Our  loss  must  have  been  heavy  but  for  the  density  of  the 
timber.  As  it  was  the  112th  Illinois  lost  one  killed  and  seven 
teen  wounded,  including  four  commissioned  officers,  and  one 
missing,  supposed  to  have  been  killed. 

The  loss  of  the  8th  Michigan  was  two  wounded. 

I  attach  hereto  a  complete  list  of  the  casualties  as  they  oc 
curred  in  the  several  engagements. 

Very  Respectfully  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

THOMAS  J.  HENDERSON, 
Col.  Comd'g 

To  Lieut.  W.  B.  Smith,  A.  A.  A.  G.,  1st  Div.Cav.  Corps." 

The  casualties  of  the  112th  Illinois,  as  reported  by  Col.  Hen 
derson,  were  as  follows : 

At  Flat  Creek,  January  26, th  Corporal  Joseph  Mitchell  of  Co. 
I,  Morris  C.  Lampson  of  Co.  E,  and  Robert  Alexander  of  Co. 
B,  severely  wounded ;  and  William  C.  Lopeman  of  Co.  B, 
slightly  wounded.  Robert  Alexander  died  of  his  wounds,  at 
Knoxville,  011  the  16th  of  May,  1864. 

At  Kelly's  Ford,  January  28th  : 

Killed — Benjamin  Brown  of  Co.  I). 

Wounded — Capt.  John  L.  Dow  and  John  C.  Trover  of  Co.  A. 

Serg.  Bushrod  Tapp,  slightly,  and  Job.  C.  Mahaffey,  of 
Co.  F. 

Capt.  A.  A.  Dunn,  severely,  Serg.  David  H.  Payton,  severe 
ly,  Paul  (r.  Kilby,  mortally — died  March  11 ;  Charles  I). 
Knapp,  Corporal  Franklin  Buckley  and  Adam  Body,  all 
severely,  of  Co.  I). 

Lieut.  A.  P.  Petrie,  severely,  and  Corporal  Martin  L.  Vin 
cent,  of  Co.  C. 

Lieut.  Jesse  Newman  and  1st  Serg.  William  K.  Wight,  both 
severely,  of  Co.  H. 

Joseph  Sparks  of  Co.  E. 


184  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Corporal  John  Humphrey  of  Co.  G. 

Corporal  John  Olenburg,  slightly,  of  Co.  B. 

Missing — Corporal  Charles  B.  Valentine  of  Co.  A. 

Corporal  Valentine,  reported  by  Col.  Henderson  as  missing, 
was  killed. 

Corporal  Franklin  Buckley,  Paul  G.  Kilby  and  Charbs  I). 
Knapp,  all  of  Co.  D,  were  left  in  a  building  near  the  field  of 
battle  ;  all  three  were  too  severely  wounded  to  be  moved,  and 
Edward  O'Brien,  of  the  same  company,  was  left  to  take  care 
of  them.  They  were  captured  by  the  rebels  the  next  morning 
and  guards  placed  over  Buckley,  Kilby  and  Knapp,  and  they 
were  left  in  care  of  the  citizens  where  they  had  sought  shelter. 
Kilbv  died  of  his  wounds  on  the  llth  of  March,  1864.  Corpo 
ral  Buckley  recovered  from  his  wounds  and  made  his  escape 
on  the  10'ih  o?  Ma.vch. 

Chailes  D.  Knapp  was  supposed  to  be  mortally  wounded. 
The  citizens  whe.e  he  was  left  offered  to  take  care  of  him,  and 
as  the  rebels  supposed  he  would  certainly  die  they  withdrew 
their  guards  and  let  him  remain.  But  he  declined  to  die,  re 
covered  from  his  wouiKls,  end  was- secreted  in  the  mountains 
and  protected  by  Union  citizens  from  the  guerrillas  who  infest 
ed  the  country  and  murdered  many  Unionists,  and  inhumanly 
butchered  every  Union  soldier  that  fell  into  their  hands.  He 
finally  made  his  escape  through  the  rebel  Hues  on  the  22nd  day 
of  May,  1864,  by  floating  down  the  French  Broad  Paver  in  a 
canoe  to  Knoxville. 

Edward  O'Brien  was  taken,  with  other  prisoners,  to  Dand- 
ridge,  and  confined  in  the  "nigger  jail"  at  that  place.  The 
next  day  they  were  marched  sixteen  miles  to  Morristown,  with 
out  having  had  a  mouthful  to  eat  since  their  capture.  Among 
the  prisoners  w-ere  eight  "home  guards",  dressed  in  "home 
spun",  whom  the  rebels  denominated  "bush-whackers",  who 
claimed  to  be  Union  men — loyal  Tennesseans.  They  were  or 
dered  to  step  out  of  the  ranks,  wrere  formed  in  line  beside  the 
road,  and  shot  dead  ;  and  the  column  then  moved  on  and  left 
them  lying  where  they  fell— to  be  buried  by  citizens  or  to  rot 
on  the  ground — the  rebels  cared  not  which. 

The  prisoners  were  taken  to  Richmond ;  and  as  they  were 
marched  down  the  street  by  Libby  Prison,  O'Brien  saw  Lieut. 


A  PRISONER'S  ADVENTURES.  185 

Griffin  of  his  own  company  (who  had  been  captured  at  Knox- 
ville,)  looking  out  through  the,,  bars.  He  called  to  him  and 
endeavored  to  attract  the  lieutenant's  attention ;  but  a  rebel 
guard  threatened  to  blow  his  brains  out  if  he  did  not  keep  still, 
and  O'Brien  very  discreetly  subsided  and  marched  on. 

The  prisoners  were  confined  in  the  Pern ber ton  building,  near 
Libby,  two  days,  and  then  turned  upon  Belle  Isle,  in  mid-win 
ter,  half-clothed,  and  without  tents  or  blankets — the  rebels 
having  robbed  them  of  hats,  boots,  overcoats  and  blankets.  In 
March,  O'Brien  and  his  squad  were  removed  to  Andersonville, 
where  O'Brien  attempted  to  make  his  escape,  but  was  over 
hauled  and  recaptured  by  blood-hounds.  In  the  following 
September  they  were  removed  to  Charleston,  S.  C.  While 
marching  through  the  city  O'Brien  fainted  and  fell  by  the  way 
side,  completely  unconscious.  When  he  returned  to  con 
sciousness  he  was  lying  under  a  palmetto  tree  attended  by  a 
Sister  of  Mercy — not  a  guard  in  sight.  He  believes  this  lady 
saved  his  life.  After  his  recovery  O'Brien  was  sent  to  Flor 
ence,  S.  C.  In  December,  1864,  the  rebel  officers  sent  a  squad 
of  Union  prisoners,  under  guard,  to  Charleston,  after  more 
sick  and  wounded  prisoners,  and  O'Brien  volunteered  to  accom 
pany  them.  They  were  required  to  sign  a  parole  before  start 
ing;  but  on  the  27th  of  December  O'Brien  and  two  others 
broke  their  paroles  and  made  their  escape.  They  made  their 
way  to  Savannah,  Ga.,  and  there  joined  Sherman's  army, 
and  thence  marched  with  Sherman  north,  through  the  Caro- 
liiias,  to  Goldsboro,  where  O'Brien  and  the  other  112th  men 
rejoined  the  regiment.  About  sixty  escaped  prisoners  joined 
Sherman's  army  at  Savannah,  among  them  Wesley  Crigler,  of 
Co.  C,  of  the  112th.  He  and  O'Brien  were  hiding  in  the 
swamps,  near  together,  several  days  before  they  entered  Sa 
vannah,  but  neither  one  knew  of  the  other's  presence. 

The  artillery  mentioned  by  Col.  Henderson  in  his  report  as 
having  been  captured,  w^as  commanded  by  a  Lieut.  Blake. 
He  was  a  native  of  Putnam  county,  Illinois  ;  his  father  having 
at  one  time  been  surveyor  of  that  county.  He  went  south  be 
fore  the  war,  and  when  hostilities  commenced  enlisted  in  the 
Confederate  service  as  a  private,  and  had  won  promotion  by 
hard  fighting.  He  said  public  sentiment  had  compelled  him 


180  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

to  enlist,  but  lie  did  not  believe  at  the  time  there  would  be  a 
war.  But  the  war  came,  and  his  battery  was  ordered  to  the 
front,  and  having  got  started  he  concluded  to  make  the  best 
of  his  position  and  fight  it  out  on  that  side.  He  was  wounded 
by  a  sabi'e  thrust  on  the  spine  and  brought  into  our  lines.  He 
was  immediately  recognized  by  several  men  in  Co.  A,  of  the 
112th  Illinois,  some  of  whom  had  been  his  schoolmates.  He 
fought  desperately,  and  refused  to  surrender  until  disabled. 
He  gave  as  the  reason  for  his  stubborn  resistance  that  he  ex 
pected  to  be  killed  if  captured  and  recognized  as  a  northern 
man,  and  he  preferred  to  die  at  his  post.  He  was  surprised 
and  gratified,  however,  at  being  treated  respectfully  and  cared 
for  tenderly.  But  his  wound  proved  fatal,  and  the  next  morn 
ing  he  was  a  corpse.  He  was  buried  in  a  rebel's  grave,  un- 
honored,  unpitied,  unmourned,  an  unfaithful  son  of  his  state 
and  country,  with  not  even  the  lame  excuse  of  a  southern  ed 
ucation  and  an  interest  in  its  peculiar  institutions  for  taking 
up  arms  against  his  government. 

When  our  command  fell  back,  on  the  20th,  it  was  found 
there  was  not  a  sufficient  number  of  ambulances  to  carry  the 
wounded.  The  chaplain  of  the  112th  Illinois  was  the  proud 
possessor  of  a  team  and  carriage.  He  was  requested  to  carry 
some  of  the  wounded  men  in  his  carriage,  but  refused  to  do  so, 
saying  it  was  the  duty  of  the  governmsnt,  and  not  his  duty, 
to  furnish  transportation  for  the  wounded.  The  wounded  men 
were  loaded  upon  wagons  ;  but  during  the  march  that  night  a 
heavy  army  wagon  accidentally  collided  with  the  chaplain's 
carriage  and  it  was  completely  demolished,  and  he  himself 
narrowly  escaped  serious  injury.  He  met  Quartermaster  Al- 
den,  a  few  days  after,  and  informed  him  of  the  accident.  His 
conscience  troubled  him,  and  he  exclaimed,  "I  am  afraid  the 
hand  of  Providence  is  against  me  for  refusing  to  carry  those 
wounded  men." 

Alden  admitted  that  the  ways  of  Providence  were  myster 
ious  and  past  finding  out,  but  suggested  that  perhaps  it  was 
the  dcril  who  had  interfered  in  the  matter. 

The  Quartermaster  had  hinted  to  the  teamster  that  it 
would  be  unfortunate  for  the  chaplain  if  one  of  the  heavy  wag 
ons  should  happen  to  collide  with  his  carnage,  and  he  cau- 


VAKIOUS  CAMPING  PLACES.  187 

tioned  the  teamster  to  exercise  great  care  to  avoid  such  an  ac 
cident.  The  teamster  took  the  hint ;  and  Alden's  suggestion  to 
the  chaplain  was  not  far  from  right. 

Capt.  Otman  was  talking  to  Lieut.  Newman,  when  the  latter 
was  wounded  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  28th.  A  musket  ball 
struck  Newman  in  the  center  of  the  forehead.  He  fell  to  the 
ground,  bat  Otman  caught  and  helped  him  to  his  feet.  It  was 
thought  he  was  mortally  wounded,  and,  at  his  request,  Capt. 
Otman  made  a  hurried  memoranda  and  promised  to  write  to 
his  wife  in  New  York  City.  It  proved  to  be  only  a  scalp  wound, 
however,  and  in  six  weeks  af  ;er  the  lieutenant  was  on  duty 
again. 

In  the  battle  of  Franklin,  in  November,  1884,  Capt.  Otman 
w-is  again  talking  to  Lieut.  Newm  in,  when  the  latter  was 
again  hit  and  severely  wounded.  Ha  was  sent  to  the  hospital 
at  Nashville,  where  Capt.  Oaiian  called  on  him  a  few  weeks 
after.  The  lieutenant  was  glad  to  see  him,  of  course  ;  but  he 
cautioned  the  captain  never  to  speak  to  him  again  while  they 
were  engaged  in  battle. 

After  the  engagement  on  the  28th,  our  command  fell  back 
and  camped  again  at  Dr.  Hodge  len's  place  on  Pigeon  Creek. 
Bat  while  we  ha  1  been  lighting  the  rebel  cavalry,  a  heavy  in 
fantry  force  of  trie  enemy  had  obtained*  a  position  in  our  rear 
and  occupied  the  country  between  our  command  and  Knox- 
villa.  In  fact,  our  cavalry  division  was  quite  surrounded;  and 
accordingly  the  command  was  ordered  to  move  by  a  circuitous 
route  to  Maryville — the  comity  seat  of  Blount  county— a  little 
east  of  south  of  Knoxville. 

The  command  moved  at  sunrise  on  the  29th ;  marched 
about  sixteen  miles,  over  the  worst  roads  ever  traveled,  passed 
through  "Devil's  Gap"  into  "Weir's  Cove/', and  there  camped 
for  the  night.  Marched  at  noon  on  the  30th,  and  camped  in 
"Tuckaleeche  Cove."  Moved  at  9  o'clock  on  the  31st,  follow 
ed  down  Little  Tliver,  crossing  and  recrossing  it  a  dozen  or 
more  times,  marched  sixteen  miles,  and  arrived  at  Maryville 
at  sunset. 

These  "Coves"  were  little  valleys  surrounded  by  mountains, 
the  only  ingress  and  egress  being  by  a  narrow  gap  at  either 
end.  They  were  inhabited  by  a  peculiar  class  of  people,  as 


188  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ignorant  as  their  animals,  who  knew  and  cared  nothing  about 
the  outside  world.  Many  of  them  had  been  born,  and  lived 
and  died  in  these  little  basins,  without  ever  having  been  out 
side.  That  was  their  "world" — they  knew  of  no  other,  and 
cared  for  no  other — happy  in  their  ignorance,  contented  in 
their  poverty. 

On  the  first  day  of  February  our  wounded  men  were  sent  to 
Knoxville.  Several  of  them  obtained  furloughs  and  went 
home  by  way  of  Chattanooga ;  others  were  sent  to  the  hospit 
als. 

The  regiment  remained  at  Maryville  until  February  4th ; 
the  principal  occupation  of  the  members  during  that  time  be 
ing  to  wash  their  clothing,  rest  and  prepare  for  the  next  move. 
Many  of  the  men  were  dismounted ;  their  horses  had  worn  out 
and  been  abandoned.  For  several  weeks  it  had  been  reported 
that  the  112th  was  to  be  dismounted  and  sent  to  Kentucky  to 
be  relittecl  with  new  horses  and  now  the  order  came.  It  had 
been  found  impossible  to  obtain  a  sufficient  number  of  horses 
in  Tennessee  to  supply  all  the  mounted  troops,  and  the  112th 
Illinois  and  two  other  regiments  were  ordered  to  proceed  to 
Knoxville,  turn  over  their  horses,  and  march  on  foot  to  Ken 
tucky  for  a  new  supply. 

Accordingly,  on  the  4tth,  the  regiment  marched  to  Knox 
ville,  turned  over  horses,  and  loaded  saddles  and  accoutre 
ments  upon  wagons,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  6th,  in  the 
midst  of  a  pouring  rain-storm,  started  on  the  march  over  the 
mountains  to  Kentucky. 

Col.  Henderson,  Major  Dow,  Capt.  Dow,  Lieuts.  Petrie, 
Bush  and  Newman,  and  eight  enlisted  men,  and  Capt,  Mc 
Cartney,  A.  A.  A.  G.  of  the  brigade,  proceeded  by  rail  to  Lon 
don,  thence  by  steamer  down  the  Tennessee  to  Chattanooga, 
thence  by  rail  by  way  of  Nashville  and  Louisville,  to  Lexing 
ton,  and  thence  by  stage  to  Mount  Sterling. 

The  brigade,  or  detachment,  consisted  of  the  112th  Illinois, 
the  45th  Ohio  and  the  8th  Michigan  cavalry,  and  was  com 
manded  on  the  march  to  Mount  Sterling  by  Lieut.  Col.  Bond, 
of  the  112th  Illinois.  The  regiment  during  this  time  was  com 
manded  by  Capt.  S.  F.  Otman,  the  senior  officer  present. 

It  was  rumored  that  upon  our  arrival  in  Kentucky  the  whole 


AT  MOUNT  STERLING.  189 

regiment  would  be  furloughed  for  thirty  clays.  It  was  a  mere 
camp  rumor,  but  many  of  the  boys  believed  it  and  hoped  it 
might  prove  true.  It  hastened  their  footsteps  remarkably, 
and  made  them  feel  exceedingly  happy ;  and  as  they  tramped 
along  the  mountain  roads  they  made  the  forests  ring  with 
songs  and  cheers  and  laughter.  The  regiment  reached  Point 
Burnside,  six  miles  below  Somerset,  at  noon  on  the  12th  of 
February,  having  marched  one  hundred  and  tAvelve  miles,  ov 
er  rough,  mountainous  roads  in  six  and  one-half  days.  Here 
the  command  halted,  to  rest  the  teams,  until  the  14th,  and 
then  proceeded  by  easy  marches,  by  way  of  Danville,  Camp 
Nelson,  Lexington  and  Winchester  to  Mount  Sterling,  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles  from  Point  Burnside,  where  we  ar 
rived  on  the  24th.  having  marched  two  hundred  and  thirty-two 
miles  from  Knoxville  to  Mount  Sterling. 

The  boys  soon  learned  that  no  applications  for  furloughs 
would  be  considered.  A  few  of  ihose  who  were  disabled  by 
reason  of  wounds  or  sickness  were  granted  leaves  of  absence, 
but  that  was  all.  A  recruiting  party  was  sent  home,  to  recruit 
the  depleted  ranks  of  the  regiment,  but  regimental  and  brigade 
commanders  were  instructed  not  to  forward  any  applications 
for  leaves  of  absence  or  furloughs,  as  they  would  certainly  be 
disapproved.  Many  of  the  officers  and  men  sent  for  their 
wives,  and  those  were  permitted  to  board  in  town,  but  as^a 
rule  the  same  attention  to  duty  was  required  and  the  same 
discipline  imposed  as  while  at  the  front. 

While  at  Mount  Sterling  Lieut.  B.  F.  Thompson,  of  Co.  B, 
was  appointed  Adjutant  of  the  regiment,  but  on  account  of 
some  delay  in  the  muster  out  of  Adjutant  Wells,  he  was  not 
mustered  as  adjutant  until  the  following  September.  Serg. 
William  H.  Doyle  was  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant  of  the 
company,  but  was  not  commissioned  nor  mustered  until  Sep 
tember. 

At  Mount  Sterling,  on  the  5th  of  March,  as  the  2d  Brigade, 
1st  Division,  Cavalry  Corps,  the  brigade  was  reorganized,  to 
consist  of  the  112th  Illinois,  the  8th  Michigan  and  the  6th  In 
diana  Cavalry — Col.  Henderson  in  command — and  the  follow 
ing  staff  officers  were  appointed  from  the  112th  Illinois  :  Ma 
jor  Luther  S.  Millikeu,  Chief  Surgeon;  Capt.  James  McCart- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ney,  A.  A.  A.  G. ;  Lieut.  James  G.  Armstrong,  A.  A.  Q.  M. ; 
Lieut,  Thomas  F.  Davenport,  A.  A.  C.  8. ;  Lieut.  Jacob  Bush, 
A.  A.  D.  C. 

And  now  officers  and  men  applied  themselves  industriously 
in  rcstuifi  and  recovering  from  the  exposures  and  hardships  of 
the  East  Tennessee  campaign,  and  in  making  preparations 
for  other  campaigns  in  the  near  future. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

MARCH   BACK   TO    KNOXVILLE — ORDERED    TO    GEORGIA. 

PREPARATIONS   FOR   THE    ATLANTA    CAMPAIGN. 

THE  112TH  JOINS  COL.  REILLY's  BRIGADE. 

The  112th  Illinois  remained  at  Mount  Sterling,  engaged  in 
daily  drill  and  dress  parade,  and  resting  from  the  arduous 
campaign  in  Tennessee,  until  the  6th  of  April,  when  the  regi 
ment  and  other  troops  at  Mount  Sterling  moved  to  Lexington. 

The  service  of  the  regiment  as  mounted  infantry  had  ended. 
The  order  to  remount  and  refit  the  regiment  had  been  coun- 
•termanded,  and  it  was  ordered  to  equip  itself  for  service  in  the 
field  as  "fiat-footed"  infantry  and  join  the  23d  Corps  for  a  cam 
paign  in  Northern  Georgia.  Saddles  and  all  the  equipments 
of  mounted  troops  were  turned  over,  and  arms  and  accoutre 
ments  put  in  condition  for  active  service  at  the  front  as  regular 
infantry. 

At  Lexington,  on  the  8th  of  April,  the  hrigade  was  disolved, 
and  Col.  Henderson  issued  the  following  order  relieving  the 
officers  of  his  staff  : 

H'DQRS  2ND  BRIGADE,  IST  Div.  CAV.  CORPS, 

Lexington,  Ky.,  April. 8,  1864 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  8 — The  following  named  officers,  com 
posing  the  staff  of  the  Colonel  commanding,  are  hereby  reliev 
ed  from  duty  at  these  Headquarters,  and  will  report  to  their 
respective  regiments  without  delay,  viz:  Major  Luther  S. 
Milliken,  112th  111.  Vol.  Infty,  Chief  Surgeon  ;  Capt.  James 
McCartney,  112th  111.  Vol.  Infty,  A.  A.  A.  G  ; 'Lieut.  James  G. 
Armstrong,  112th  111.  Vol.  Infty,  A.  A.  Q.  M. :  Lieut,  Thomas 


192  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

F.  Davenport,  112th  111.  Vol.  Infty,  A.  A.  C.  S. ;  Lieut.  Jacob 
Bush,  112th  111.  Vol.  Infty,  A.  A.  I).  C. ;  Lieut,  James  G.  Miles, 
6th  Ind.  Vol.  Cav.,  A.  A.  I.  G. 

By  command  of 

COL.  THOMAS  J.  HENDERSON. 

James  McCartney,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 

At  Lexington  the  regiment  joined  the  llth  and  16th  Ken 
tucky  regiments  of  infantry,  and  the  45th  Ohio,  making  about 
two  thousand  men,  and  Col.  Ben  P.  Eunkle,  of  the  45th  Ohio, 
being  the  ranking  Colonel,  was  ordere  i  to  take  command  of 
the  detachnent  and  conduct  il  to  Knoxville. 

From  Lexington  the  command  moved  to  Camp  Nelson, 
where  it  arrived  on  the  10th,  and  remained  there,  refitting, 
procuring  arms  and  accoutrements  and  the  necessary  supplies 
for  a  long  march  over  the  mountains,  with  daily  drills  and 
dress  parades,  and  frequent  inspections,  until  the  19th, 
when  the  detachment  again  moved  to  Point  Burnside,  ar 
riving  there  on  the  23d  of  April.  Here  the  command  was  plac 
ed  in  charge  of  seventeen  hundred  pack  mules  and  a  large 
wagon  train,  loaded  with  twenty  thousand  rations,  to  take  to 
Knoxville. 

At  Camp  Nelson,  on  the  14th,  Lieut.  Thomas  F.  Davenport 
of  the  112th  Illinois  was  detailed,  by  order  of  Col.  Eunkle,  as 
Acting  Assistant  Commissary  of  Subsistence  of  the  detach 
ment,  and  among  other  duties  required  of  him,  he  was  assign 
ed  to  the  immediate  command  of  the  "mule  train." 

The  command  left  Point  Burnside  on  the  26th  of  April,  and 
after  a  tedious,  weary  march  arrived  at  Knoxville  at  noon  on 
the  third  of  May,  having  marched  five  hundred  miles  since 
leaving  there  on  the  6th  of  February. 

The  author  is  indebted  to  Lieut.  Thomas  F.  Davenport  for 
the  following  interesting  account  of  the  march  over  the  moun 
tains,  which  he  entitles : 

"A 'MULE  TRAIN  OVER  THE  MOUNTAINS — FROM  A  LIEUTENANT'S  DIARY. 

"On  the  8th  of  April,  1864,  the  staff  officers  of  the  2nd  Bri 
gade,  1st  Division,  Cavalry  Corps,  Col.  Thomas  J.  Henderson, 
were  relieved  from  duty,  and  the  service  of  the  112th  Illinois 
as  a  mounted  regiment  was  ended. 


THE  MULE  TRAIN.  193 

"The  Kentucky  campaign  ;  the  brilliant  Saunders  raid;  the 
stirring  events  in  and  around  Knoxville ;  the  long  weeks  of 
confinement  during  the  siege,  with  scanty  rations  of  mouldy 
corn-bread,  mixed  with  swreepings  from  tobacco  warehouses, 
cut  off  entirely  from  the  supply  train,  in  the  enemy's  country •; 
the  brilliant  dashes  of  our  chief  ol  foragers,  Eph.  Smith,  up 
on  the  fat,  grain-fed  mountain  steers  ;  the  little,  old-fashioned 
mills,  in  which  Lincoln  S.  Baugh  of  Co.  C,  and  John  Hords  of 
Co.  A,  both  practical  millers,  ground  the  confiscated  wheat ; 
the  scouting,  and  raiding,  and  foraging  expeditions  by  night 
and  day  ;  all  were  ended. 

"At  one  time  our  boys  captured  a  little  mill  on  a  creek  near 
Dandridge,  Tennessee.  It  was  a  few  days  before  the  affair  at 
Kelly's  Ford.  Lincoln  S.  Baugh  was  placed  in  charge,  and 
the  burrs  were  soon  buzzing.  This  was  in  the  afternoon. 
About  a  wagon  load  had  been  ground  when  the  rebels  attack 
ed  the  mill,  drove  the  boys  out,  put  their  own  in,  and  they 
commenced  grinding.  This  exasperated  our  boys,  and  they  in 
turn  drove  the  rebels  out  and  again  took  possession  of  the  mill. 
The  rebals  returned  in  the  night  with  reinforcements,  and 
again  obtained  possession  of  the  mill,  and  this  time  held  it ; 
but  our  boys  saved  every  pound  of  Hour  fairly  belonging  to 
them,  and  before  daylight  it  was  distributed  to  the  men.  The 
next  morning  the  boys  had  "flapjacks'1  for  breakfast. 

"On  the  14th  of  April  the  writer  of  this  received  the  follow 
ing  order : 

'  CAMP  NELSON,  Kv.,  APRIL  14,  1864. 
'SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  1. 

Extract  I. — First  Lieut.  Thomas  F.  Daven 
port,  ll'2th  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  is  hereby  de 
tailed  as  Acting  Commissary  of  Subsistence  of  detachment  of 
United  States  Forces  commanded  by  Col.  Ben.  P.  Rankle,  and 
will  rep  >rt  to  these  Headquarters  for  orders,  without  delay. 
'By  command  of 

'CoL.  BEX.  P.  RUXKLE. 
'  L.  E.  ALTAIAN,  Lieut.,  &c." 

"I  reported  to  Col.  Runkle,  and  was  directed   to  proceed  to 
—13 


194  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Crab  Orchard  and  there  receive  and  take  charge  of  one  hun 
dred  and  fifty  wagons  and  three  hundred  and  fifty  pack-mules, 
to  be  loaded  and  packed  with  rations. 

"At  Crab  Orchard  we  found  a  motley  crowd  of  mules,  wag 
ons  and  teamsters,  all  out  in  a  pouring  rain.  We  proceeded 
to  Point  Burnside,  on  the  Cumberland  River,  in  advance  of 
the  troops,  to  finish  packing,  where  we  arrived  on  the  21st, 
and  found  everything  in  confusion  and  excitement. 

"On  the  22nd,  I  went  out  of  town  a  mile  or  two  to  find  Capt. 
Ransom,  Post  Commissary,  from  whom  we  drew  ten  days  full 
rations  of  "hard-tack"  and  other  provisions  for  two  hundred 
men.  I  found  Capt.  Ransom  occupying  a  cozy  little  cottage 
high  up  on  the  mountain  side,  among  the  rocks,  looking  like 
an  eagle's  nest  in  the  cliffs,  where  he  was  enjoying  his  'honey 
moon'— having  recently  married  Miss  Ella  Bishop,  the  heroine 
of  Lexington,  after  whom  our  camp  at  that  place  was  named 
—'Camp  Ella  Bishop.'  I  found  Mrs.  Ransom  to  be  a  plain, 
intelligent  lady,  and  as  full  of  patriotism  and  zeal  for  the  Un 
ion  as  when  she  defied  the  rebel  soldiers  on  the  streets  of  Lex 
ington. 

"At  Point  Burnside  three  hundred  wagons  and  several  hun 
dred  pack  mules  were  added  to  our  train.  Each  mule  was 
loaded  with  from  two  hundred,  to  three  hundred  pounds  of 
rice,  beans,  sugar,  coffee,  salt  and  bacon,  carried  in  panniers 
or  saddles  strapped  upon  the  mules  and  covered  with  oil-cloth. 
I  was  assisted  by  Corporal  H.  Q.  Edwards  aixl  Uncle  John 
Boyd  of  Co.  C,  Ephraim  Smith  of  Co.  F,  James  Waterman  of 
Co.  H,  who  was  our  butcher,  and  George  Boyd,  who  had  been 
discharged  from  the  9th  Illinois  cavalry  and  was  on  his  way 
to  Knoxville  to  reenlist.  It  was  a  novel  sight.  The  long  train 
of  mules  coupled  together  in  files  of  four,  with  their  pads, 
looking  like  miniature  dromedaries,  winding  in  and  out  among 
the  trees,  guards  on  each  side  watchful  and  on  the  alert  against 
attack — for  the  rebels  well  knew  the  value  of  the  convoy  an  d 
would  have  gladly  relieved  us  of  it  if  opportunity  had  offered. 

"The  troops  and  train  left  Point  Burnside  on  the  26th  of  April 
and  ascended  the  mountains,  avoiding  the  towns  and  settle 
ments  and,  with  few  exceptions,  making  fifteen  to  twenty  miles 
a  day,  nearly  all  of  the  way  through  dense  forests.  An  escort 


FUN  WITH  A  MULE  TKAIN.  195 

of  one  or  two  regiments  marched  in  front  and  rear  of  the  train. 
At  night  the  wagons  were  parkedin  a  circle,  the  mules  in  the 
center,  and  guards  outside.  As  we  rounded  the  crest  of  the 
Cumherland  Mountains  on  the  30th  of  April,  the  sun  rose 
warm  and  bright,  the  spring  foliage  glistened  with  dew,  and 
we  looked  down,  sheer  down,  one  thousand  feet  from  the  beet 
ling  cliffs  upon  the  little  town  of  Jacksboro  nestled  in  the  beau 
tiful  valley  below.  Arriving  at  Clinton,  on  the  Clinch  River, 
our  train  and  stores  were  turned  over  to  Capt.  Chapin,  the 
Post  Commissary  of  Knoxville,  and  we  were  relieved  from  fur 
ther  duty. 

"Col.  Runkle  did  not  have  an  organized  brigade,  but  he  com 
manded  the  four  regiments  on  the  march  into  Tennessee  as  a 
detachment,  hoping  and  expecting  that  they  would  be  organ 
ized  into  a  brigade  of  which  he  would  have  permanent  com 
mand.  But  higher  authority  decided  otherwise  ;  he  was  order 
ed  on  duty  elsewhere,  and  I  lost  sight  of  him  in  the  momentous 
events  that  followed. 

"My  relations  with  him  had  been  exceedingly  pleasant.  He 
was  a  brave  soldier  and  a  courteous  officer,  but  quick-tempered, 
and  often  reckless  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties." 

Immediately  upon  the  arrival  of  the  regiment  at  Knoxville, 
an  inspection  of  arms  and  accoutrements  was  held,  and  Col. 
Henderson  was  ordered  to  turn  over  everything  unserviceable  ; 
all  the  regimental  teams  except  two,  and  all  surplus  tents  and 
baggage,  and  to  draw  all  the  clothing  the  regiment  needed, and 
be  ready  to  march  on  the  morning  of  the  fourth. 

The  command  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  Cleveland  by  rail, 
and  thence  join  Sherman's  army  in  Northern  Georgia ;  but  for 
want  of  sufficient  transportation  the  ll'2th  Illinois  did  not 
move  until  the  8th  of  May. 

Many  of  the  sick  and  slightly  wounded  had  recovered  and 
rejoined  the  regiment ;  all  the  field  officers  were  present ;  the 
long  march  into  Kentucky  and  return  had  hardened  and 
toughened  the  men ;  and  drills  and  parades  had  restored  the 
regiment  to  its  old-time  proficiency  and  discipline,  which  had 
become  somewhat  impaired  during  its  mounted  service. 
It  was  understood  that  we  were  about  to  enter  upon  an  active 
and  perilous  campaign  against  one  of  the  great  armies  of  the 


19G  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Confederacy,  under  the  leadership  of  one  of  its  ablest  gener 
als,  and  that  we  woul.l  be  called  upon  to  endure  hardships,  face 
dangers  and  make  long,  weary  marches  ;  but  no  man  wavered 
in  the  determination  to  push  forward  and  conquer  a  peace 
by  destroying  the  enemy.  Every  man  was  in  earnest,  and 
ready  and  willing  to  go  to  the  front  and  end  the  war  by  hard 
blows  ;  to  wipe  out,  annihilate,  destroy  the  rebel  armies,  and 
then  return  home  and  enjoy  a  well-earned  peace. 

The  mounted  service  in  which  the  112th  had  been  engaged 
had  been  detrimental  to  the  discipline  and  morale  of  the  regi 
ment.  Attached  to  an  inferior  force  of  cavalry,  it  had  been 
compelled  to  do  double  duty,  scouting  and  skirmishing  as  cav 
alry,  and  fighting,  dismounted,  as  infantry ;  always  at  a  dis 
advantage,  as  compared  with  regular  infantry,  as  it  required 
every  fifth  man  to  hold  the  horses,  while  many  men  were  left 
in  the  rear  on  account  of  disabled  and  broken  down  horses. 
While  the  mounted  forces  in  East  Tennessee,  after  the  siege 
of  Knoxville,  had  been  kept  constantly  moving,  scouting  and 
foraging,  almost  daily  engaged  in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy, 
alert,  watchful,  ever  ready  to  move  at  a  moment's  notice,  ex 
posed  to  driving  storms  of  rain,  sleet  and  snow,  the  infantry 
regiments  were  lying  quietly  in  comfortable  camps,  undisturb 
ed  by  rebels,  protected  from  the  inclement  winter  weather. 
But  one  important  movement  was  made  by  the  infantry. 
When  Long-street  left  his  camps  at  Morristown  and  marched 
with  his  infantry  to  Dandridge,  in  January,  LSlM,  Gen.  Parke, 
with  the  9th  Corps,  and  Gen.  Granger's  4th  Corps,  and  the 
*2#<1  Corps,  in  temporary  command  of  Gen.  Cox,  marched  out 
to  meet  him  :  but  the  return  of  heavy,  cold  storms  rendered 
an  extended  campaign  impossible  ;  and  both  Confederate  and 
Union  commanders  withdrew  their  troops  and  returned  to 
their  permanent  quarters.  The  mounted  forces,  however,  were 
kept  at  the  front,  moving  night  and  day ;  and  it  was  not  until 
the  112th  Illinois  wras  dismounted  that  the  men  were  permitted 
to  rest,  and  then  only  after  a  long  inarch  over  rugged  moun 
tains,  in  mid-winter,  to  Central  Kentucky. 

Company  and  battalion  drills  and  dress  parades  and  re 
views  had  been  unknown  during  the  East  Tennessee  campaign, 
and  while  waiting  at  Knoxville  for  transportation  the  time  was 


OUR  COLOR  BEARERS.  197 

well  occupied  in  reviewing  the  early  lessons  of  the  regiment  in 
army  tactics,  and  it  was  soon  restored  to  its  old-time  profi 
ciency  and  discipline.  No  regiment  in  the  corps  could  keep 
better  step,  carry  itself  steadier,  or  make  a  liner  appearance 
on  the  march  or  on  a  review  than  the  112th  Illinois,  and  its 
fighting  qualities  were  equal  to  its  "style." 

Serg.  John  L.  Jennings,  of  Co.  H,  who  had  been  appointed 
Color  Bearer  of  the  regiment,  upon  its  muster  in  at  Peoria, 
was  relieved  at  Lexington,  on  the  fHh.of  April,  at  his  own  re 
quest,  and  returned  to  duty  in  his  company.  Serg.  Eli  C. 
Jones,  of  Co.  B,  one  of  the  color  guards,  acted  as  Color  Bearer 
on  the  march  from  Lexington  to'Knoxville.  On  the  Oth  of 
May,  while  at  Knoxville,  Corporal  John  1).  Hill,  of  Co.  C,  who 
had  served  as  color  guard,  was  appointed  Color  Bearer  of  the 
regiment,  and  served  as  such  from  that  time  until  the  regi 
ment  was  mustered  out  of  the  service.  Many  times  during  the 
Atlanta  campaign,  and  in  the  terrible  battle  at  Franklin,  in 
the  following  November,  the  colors  of  the  regiment  were  riddled 
by  rebel  bullets,  while  in  his  hands  ;  but  never  for  an  instant 
were  they  lowered  beneath  the  shower  of  Confederate  lead. 
At  all  times  the  112th  colors  floated  proudly  and  defiantly  in 
the  southern  breeze. 

Gen.  Grant  having  been  promoted  to  Lieut.  General — a 
grade  create:!  by  congress  especially  for  him- -and  having  been 
called  East  to  take  command  of  all  the  armies  of  the  Union 
and  personally  direct  the  movements  of  the  army  in  Virginia 
against  the  Confederate  capital,  Gen.  Sherman  was  placed  in 
command  of  the  Military  Division  of  the  Mississippi,  compris 
ing  the  three  great  Departments  of  the  Cumberland,  the  Tenn 
essee  and  the  Ohio,  and  early  in  May,  1864,  concentrated  his 
forces  in  Northern  Georgia  preparatory  to  opening  the  cam 
paign  against  Atlanta. 

The  Army  of  the  Cumberland  as  prepared  to  take  the  field, 
in  command  of  Maj.  Gen.  George  H.  Thomas,  consisted  of 
three  divisions  of  the  4th  Corps,  three  divisions  of  the  14th  Corps 
and  three  divisions  of  the  20th  Corps— numbering  about  fifty- 
four  thousand  infantry  and  about  four  thousand  cavalry,  and 
twenty-three  hundred  artillery,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty 
guns.  Large  garrisons  were  stationed  at  Chattanooga  and 


198  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Nashville,  and  other  important  points  in  Middle  Tennessee,  and 
a  considerable  force  was  also  required  to  guard  the  lines  of 
communication  north. 

The  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  in  command  of  Maj.  Gen. 
James  B.  McPherson,  consisted  of  three  divisions  of  the  15th 
(Logan's)  Corps,  the  '2nd  and  4th  divisions  of  the  16th  Corps, 
and  the  3d  and  4th  divisions  of  the  17th  Corps— numbering 
about  twenty-two  thousand  infantry,  fourteen  hundred  artille 
ry  and  ninety-six  guns. 

The  1st  and  3d  divisions  of  the  16th.  and  the  1st  and  2nd 
divisions  of  the  17th  Corps  were  left  in  the  Valley  of  the  Miss 
issippi  for  garrison  and  other  duties.  After  the  fall  of  Atlan 
ta  the  2nd  Division  of  the  16th  Corps  was  transferred  to  the 
15th  Corps,  and  the  4th  Division  to  the  17th  Corps. 

Longstreet  had  moved  out  of  East  Tennessee,  leaving  only 
a  corps  of  observation  in  the  upper  Holstoii  Valley,  and  joined 
Lee  in  Virginia.  Union  troops  occupied  Bull's  Gap,  and  had 
destroyed  several  miles  of  railroad  beyond  the  pass,  and  East 
Tennessee  was  now  comparatively  free  from  danger  of  Con 
federate  invasion  or  raids. 

The  9th  Corps  had  been  transferred  from  the  Army  of  the 
Ohio  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  was  again  in  command 
of  Maj.  Gen.  Burnside ;  and  the  Army  of  the  Ohio  now  com 
prised  only  the  23d  Corps,  in  command  of  Maj.  Gen.  John  M. 
Schofield.  The  corps  consisted  of  three  divisions  of  infantry 
—the  1st  in  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  A.  P.  Hovey,  the  2nd  in 
command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Milo  S.  Hascall,  and  the  3d  in  com 
mand  of  Brig.  Gen.  Cox— numbering  about  twelve  thousand 
infantry,  and  about  seventeen  hundred  cavalry,  seven  hundred 
artillery,  and  twenty-eight  guns.  Two  other  divisions  of  the 
corps  were  left  to  garrison  Kentucky  and  East  Tennessee. 

In  June  Gen.  Hovey  was  relieved  of  his  command,  at  his 
own  request,  and  the  1st  Division  was  broken  up  and  consoli 
dated  with  the  2nd  and  3d,  and  these  were  the  only  divisions 
of  the  corps  in  the  field  after  that  time.  Gen.  Schofield  mov 
ed  out  of  East  Tennessee  with  his  three  divisions  and  occupied 
Bed  Clay,  on  the  state-line  north  of  Dalton,  on  the  4th  of  May. 

On  the  6th  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  occupied  the  center 
of  the  Union  line  near  Piinggold,  and  the  Array  of  the  Tennes- 


STRENGTH  OF  THE  ARMIES.  199 

see  the  right  flank  at  Gordon's  Mills,  on  Chickaniauga  Creek  : 
and  generally,  during  the  campaign,  the  Army  of  the  Cumber 
land,  on  account  of  its  greater  strength,  occupied  the  center, 
and  the  two  smaller  armies  the  right  and  left  of  the  line. 

The  aggregate  strength  of  Sherman's  army,  as  it  confront 
ed  the  Confederate  army  intrenched  around  Dalton,  approxi 
mated  one  hundred  thousand  men,  with  two  hundred  and  fif 
ty-four  guns. 

The  Confederate  army  numbered  about  sixty  thousand  men, 
divided  into  two  corps  of  infantry,  under  Hardee  and  Hood, 
and  one  corps  of  four  thousancl  cavalry,  under  Wheeler,  all  in 
command  of  Gen.  Joseph  E.  Johnston.  On  the  llth  of  May 
Polk  joined  Johnston  with  a  corps  of  infantry  and  artillery, 
which  increased  his  aggregate  strength  to  about  seventy-five 
thousand  men. 

When  it  is  considered,  however,  that  in  this  campaign  the 
enemy  always  had  the  choice  of  position,  and  was  usually  pro 
tected  by  strong  intrenchments  ;  that  one  man  in  defense  is 
equal  to  three  in  attack,  and  one  rifle  in  the  trench  worth  five 
in  front  of  it ;  that,  as  Sherman's  army  advanced,  it  was  con 
stantly  weakened,  to  garrison  important  posts  and  guard  its 
lines  of  communication,  while,  as  the  enemy  fell  back,  his  gar 
risons  and  guards  were  taken  up  and  added  to  his  effective 
strength  ;  and  that  slave  labor  was  utilized  in  digging  trench 
es,  building  earth-works,  and  performing  the  drudgery  of  the 
rebel  army ;  when  all  these  facts  are  considered,  the  disparity 
in  the  strength  of  the  two  armies  was  not  as  great  as  it  seemed. 

Sherman's  grand  army  was  stripped  for  work.  All  surplus 
baggage  and  unnecessary  clothing  were  sent  to  the  rear. 
Transportation  was  reduced  to  one  wagon  and  one  ambulance 
to  each  regiment,  and  one  pack  mule  to  each  company.  Tents 
were  almost  an  unknown  luxury.  During  the  succeeding 
campaign  Gen.  Sherman  himself  frequently  slept  beside  a  log, 
with  no  bed  but  mother  earth  and  no  covering  but  the  south 
ern  sky. 

The  following  incident  will  illustrate  his  manner  of  work  and 
sleeping :  One  hot  day  during  the  following  summer  the  au 
thor  had  put  up  a  tent-fly  as  a  protection  against  the  broiling 
sun,  and  was  busily  engaged  in  making  up  regimental  reports. 


200  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Gen.  Sherman  and  staff  rode  along  the  lines  to  the  right,  and 
on  their  return,  an  hour  later,  Sherman  rode  up  to  the  liy  and 
remarked  to  the  occupant,  "That's  a  mighty  cool  place — what 
are  you  dmig?"  "Making  oat  regimental  reports,"  was  the 
reply.  "\Vhat  regiment?"  "112th  Illinois/'  "Hiven't  you 
room  for  one  more  in  there"?"  "0,  ye*;  come  in."  Giving 
the  bridle  to  an  orderly  he  dismounted  and  came  in,  his  staff 
going  011  without  him.  He  said  he  had  not  slept  more  than 
an  hour  at  a  time  for  three  nights,  and  was  "tired  to  death," 
and  it  looked  so  cool  and  inviting  in  there  he  wanted  to  "lie 
down  and  take  a  nap."  Some  blankets  were  spread  upon  the 
grass  and  he  was  soon  sound  asleep.  When  lie  awoke  he 
thanked  the  occupant  of  the  liy  as  kindly  and  politely  as  if  lie 
had  been  a  Major  General  instead  of  a  lieutenant,  and  rode 
away  refreshed  for  another  night's  work. 

His  example  was  contagious — every  officer  and  soldier  in 
the  army  would  do  anything,  endure  anything  required  of 
them,  cheerfully  arid  heartily,  because  he  set  them  an  exam 
ple  of  hard  work,  endurance,  exposure,  and  earnestness  in 
conducting  the  campaign.  He  never  flinched,  an:l  it  taught 
them  never  to  Hindi. 

Immediately  upon  the  arrival  of  the  112th  Illinois  at  Knox- 
ville  the  regiment  was  assigned  to  the  1st  Brigade,  3d  Division, 
23d  Army  Corps,  consisting  of  the  100th  and  101th  Ohio,  llth 
and  16th  Kentucky,  8th  Tennessee  and  112th  Illinois  regiments, 
commanded  by  Col.  James  W.  Beilly  of  the  104th  Ohio.  On 
the  8th  of  May,  as  soon  as  transportation  could  be  obtained, 
the  112th  took  cars  at  Kiioxville  and  moved  by  rail  to  Cleveland, 
and  thence  marched,  in  charge  of  a  large  ambulance  train  and 
an  ordinance  train  of  fifty  wagons,  to  'Tunnel  Hill,  where  it 
arrived  on  the  10th,  and  at  5  :30  on  the  morning  of  the  llth 
joined  the  brigade  in  front  of  Dalton,  and  at  once  went  into 
position  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  army,  and  threw  up  heavy 
works.  The  regiment  was  now  part  of  Sherman's  grand  Union 
army,  and  it  is  difficult  to  separate  the  history  of  any  single 
regiment  of  the  army  from  the  history  of  the  whole  army,  or  of 
the  campaign. 

Gen.  Sherman  was  now  about  to  enter  upon  the  ever-mem 
orable  Georgia  campaign.  Its  first  objective  point  was  John- 


THE  GEORGIA  CAMPAIGN.  201 

stem's  army  of  seventy-five  thousand  veteran  troops  ;  its  sec 
ond,  the  City  of  Atlanta— the  center  of  a  great  railway  system, 
the  site  of  extensive  manufactures,  the  great  distributing 
point  for  arms  and  munitions  of  war,  provisions,  clothing 
and  other  supplies,  to  the  Confederate  armies. 

The  Southern  armies  had  been  concentrated  into  two  great 
armies,  for  a  final  and  determined  effort  to  uphold  the  rotten 
and  wicked  oligarchy  of  the  South,  and  to  defend  it  against 
the  attacks  of  the  Union  armies— one  in  the  East,  in  com 
mand  of  Lee,  one  in  the  West,  in  command  of  Johnston.  But 
Grant  was  now  in  supreme  command,  and  while  he  personally 
directed  the  campaign  against  Lee,  he  at  the  same  time  planned 
the  campaigns  and  directed  the  general  movements  of  all  the 
other  Union  armies — leaving  the  details  to  be  carried  out  by 
his  lieutenants.  In  the  West  Sherman  was  in  supreme  com- 
.manel,  subject  only  to  the  orders  of  his  superior ;  but  so  great 
was  Grant's  confidence  in  his  judgment  and  ability  that  he 
seldom  interfered  with  his  plans.  How  well  Sherman  per 
formed  his  part — his  campaign  against  Atlanta,  his  triumph 
al  march  to  the  sea,  his  progress  through  the  Carolinas,  his 
earnest  devotion  to  the  cause  of  his  country,  his  implicit  faith 
in  and  loyalty  to  Grant — all  these  achievements  are  written 
in  history,  and  place  his  name  high  up  on  the  pinnacle  of 
fame  and  heroism,  next  to  that  of  his  faithful  friend  and  su 
perior  officer — the  Great  Commander. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN. 

FROM  DALTON  TO  DALLAS  AND  NEW  HOPE   CHURCH — THE  BATTLE  OF 
RESACA— ACROSS  THE  OOSTANAULA  AND  THE  ETOWAH. 
THE  FIRST  MONTH'S  WORK. 

Gen.  McPherson,  with  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  had  mov 
ed  down  through  Snake  Creek  Gap,  and  confronted  the  rebel 
force  at  Resaca  ;  and  at  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
12th  of  May,  the  23d  Corps  and  14th  Corps  were  in  motion, 
marching  to  the  right,  towards  the  same  point.  The  country 
was  rough  and  broken,  and  the  command  made  but  slow  pro 
gress.  Bivouacked  at  night  in  the  woods,  having  marched  but 
fourteen  miles.  Reveille  at  one  o'clock  on  the  13th  and  mov 
ed  at  two  o'clock.  Marched  sixteen  miles  down  through  Snake 
Creek  Gap,  and  joined  McPherson  in  front  of  Resaca  at  noon. 

This  was  Sherman's  first  great  flank  movement  of  the  cam 
paign,  and  it  compelled  Johnston  to  evacuate  his  works  at  Dai- 
ton  and  concentrate  his  army  within  their  intrenchments  at 
Resaca. 

Gen.  Hovey's  division  (1st  of  the  23d  Corps)  was  left  to  guard 
the  trains  parked  in  Snake  Creek  Gap,  and  the  2d  and  3d  di 
visions  (Hascall's  and  Cox's)  of  the  23d  Corps,  marched  across 
ravines,  fording  streams  and  climbing  high  hills,  and  formed 
in  line  of  battle  on  the  left, — Gen.  Cox's  division  on  the  extreme 
left ;  and  that  night  the  men  slept  on  their  arms. 


KILLED  AND  WOUNDED  AT  RES  AC  A.  203 

It  will  not  be  expected  that  a  work  of  this  kind  will  give  the 
details  of  the  Battle  of  Besaca,  or  attempt  to  describe  the 
movements  of  the  several  armies  and  corps.  This  information 
may  be  obtained  elsewhere,  and  the  author  takes  it  for  grant 
ed  that  the  reader  is  already  familiar  with  the  facts,  or,  if  he 
is  not,  that  he  will  read  some  other  work  detailing  them,  in 
connection  with  this. 

At  6  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  14th  the  Union  lines  were 
advanced.  Cox's  division  moved  forward  about  a  mile  by  the 
flank,  and  then  filed  to  the  right,  in  two  lines,  lleilly's  brig 
ade  in  advance,  and  moved  forward  over  rough  and  broken 
ground,  through  dense  woods  and  thick  underbrush,  and  reach 
ed  the  enemy's  skirmish  line  about  noon.  Here  the  command 
came  to  a  front,  and  deployed  skirmishers.  The  division 
again  moved  forward,  in  line  of  battle,  driving  the  enemy's 
skirmishers.  The  order  was  given  to  change  direction  to  the 
right,  and  in  doing  so  the  lines  got  badly  mixed — the  112th  I1-- 
linois  being  crowded  first  to  the  right  and  then  to  the  left,  and 
finally  wedged  in  between  two  lines, — but  the  advance  contin 
ued.  The  order  was  then  given  to  charge,  and  the  column 
moved  forward  on  a  double-quick,  nearly  a  mile,  driving  the 
enemy's  skirmishers  pell  mell,  and  after  a  fierce  struggle  car 
ried  and  held  the  enemy's  first  line  of  iritrenchments. 

The  enemy  fell  back  to  a  strongly  fortified  position,  and  the 
division  was  pushed  forward  to  within  two  hundred  yards  of 
this  line,  but  was  unable  to  carry  it.  The  112th  advanced  to 
a  hill  fifty  yards  in  front  of  their  second  line,  when  the  enemy 
opened  a  severe  fire  with  grape  and  canister  and  musketry. 
Our  sharpshooters,  however,  picked  off  the  gunners  and  near 
ly  silenced  their  batteries.  The  division  lay  there,  giving  and 
receiving  hard  blows,  until  about  4  o'clock,  when  its  ammuni 
tion  was  exhausted,  and  as  the  wagons  could  not  cross  the 
creek  it  was  relieved,  a  brigade  at  a  time  and  retired  to  the  rear. 

The  casualties  of  the  112th  Illinois  in  this  engagement  were 
as  follows : 

Killed — Co.  A,  Corporal  John  B.  Heaps  and  Joseph  S.  Bare- 
more. 

Co.  I) — Watson  L.  Andrews,  William  H.  Collier  and  William 
W.  Cowden. 


204  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Co.  C — John  F.  Barney  and  William  Follett. 

Co.  H— First  Serg.  Abel  M.  lUndall.     Total,  eight 

Wounded: — Col.  Thomas  "J.  Henderson,  severely;  Adjutant 
B.  F.  Thompson,  slightly. 

Co.  A — Patrick  Cummings,  slightly,  and  Philip  J.  Wintz, 
severely. 

Co.  F — Capt.  William  W.  Wright,  mortally,  (died  June  24)  ; 
Serg.  John  F.  lihodes,  severely  ;  Corporal  Levi  Silliman  ;  Wil 
liam  H.  Barton,  severely;  William  T.  Essex,  mortally,  (died 
Sept.  18) ;  Henry  C.  Hall,  mortally,  (died  May  24),  and  George 
G.  Stone. 

Co.  D — Capt.  A.  A.  Dunn,  slightly  ;  George  M.  Dimkle,  John 
Flanshurg,  Lewis  W.  Jacobs;  Lemuel  F.  Mathews,  severely, 
and  Joseph  Weaver,  severely. 

Co.  I — -Serg.  Hugh  Pound ;  Frederick  Baker,  severely,  and 
John  G.  White,  severely. 

Co.  C — Corporal  Joel  C.  Smith,  mortally,  (died  June  24)  ; 
Corporal  Hanford  Q.  Edwards,  severely;  Thomas  Duncan; 
George  Maconnell,  slightly,  and  Hiram  F.  Williamson. 

Co.  H — Corporal  A.  T.  W.  Chalmers,  John  M.  Erie-son; 
George  H.  McKee,  mortally,  (died  June  10) ;  David  V.  Plants, 
(promoted  on  the  field  for  bravery),  and  August  T.  Sniggs. 

Co.  E — Corporal  Cyrus  C.  Snare  ;  Corporal  Sydney  D.  But 
ler,  slightly  ;  Jerry  H.  Bailey  ;  and  Thaddeus  S.  Thurston,  se 
verely. 

Co.  G — Corporal  William  Waiter  son  and  John  Crowe. 

Co.  B — James  A.  Goodrich  and  John  C.  Leighton,  both  in- 
j  ured  by  the  concussion  of  an  exploding  shell. 

Total,  thirty-eight,  of  whom  one  captain,  one  corporal  and 
three  privates  were  mortally  wounded.  Total  loss  of  the  regi 
ment  in  killed  and  wounded,  forty-six. 

The  lines  had  been  extended  to  the  left  during  the  action, 
and  the  23d  Corps,  which  had  gone  into  the  engagement  on 
the  extreme  left,  at  the  close  of  the  battle  was  in  the  center. 

There  was  sharp  skirmishing  along  the  whole  line  during  the 
morning  of  the  15th,  and  the  lines  were  further  extended  to 
the  left.  The  23d  Corps  was  withdrawn  from  the  center  and 
again  moved  to  the  extreme  left.  There  was  heavy  fighting 
in  the  afternoon  by  Hooker's  corps  and  several  divisions  of 


THE  FLANKING  MOVEMENTS.  205 

other  corps,  but  the  112th  Illinois  was  not  engaged.  Sherman 
was  moving  his  forces  to  the  left,  contracting  and  strengthen 
ing  his  lines,  so  as  to  withdraw  part  of  his  forces  for  a  flank 
ing  movement  south  of  the  Oostanaula  Tliver.  At  4  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  the  3d  Division  of  the  *23d  Corps  advanced  its 
lines  and  occupied  a  strong  position,  preparatory  to  a  closer 
investment  on  the  following  day. 

But  Johnston  was  not  to  he  caught  by  Sherman's  flank 
movement,  and  during  the  night  of  the  15th  withdrew  his  ar 
my  across  the  Oostanaula,  burned  the  railroad  bridge,  and  re 
treated  south. 

Gen.  Cox's  division  was  ready  for  action  at  4  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  16th,  but  the  enemy  had  escaped,  and  the 
troops  were  at  once  put  in  motion  in  pursuit. 

The  23d  Corps  moved  to  the  left  and  forded  the  Connasauga 
Eiver  at  File's  Ferry,  the  artillery  and  wagons  being  ferried 
over  in  a  small  flat-boat.  The  river  was  quite  wide  and  the 
water  about  waist  deep.  Gen.  Cox's  division  was  in  the  ad 
vance.  The  column  halted  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  came  to 
a  front  face,  stacked  arms,  and  the  men  stripped  to  the  skin, 
carrying  their  clothes  on  their  heads  or  shoulders  to  keep  them 
out  of  the  water.  Just  as  the  column  was  prepared  to  enter 
the  water  Gen.  Cox  and  his  staff  rode  along  the  line,  and  the 
boys  greeted  him  with  cheer  after  cheer,  and  made  great  sport 
of  their  ludicrous  appearance.  But  when  the  opposite  bank 
of  the  river  was  reached  the  fun  increased.  The  bank  was 
steep  and  of  a  clay  soil.  Every  man  carried  out  a  little  water 
on  his  person,  which  dripped  to  the  ground,  and  the  bank  soon 
became  as  slippery  as  a  sheet  of  ice,  and  as  difficult  to  climb, 
barefooted.  Many  a  man  would  get  half-way  up  the  bank  and 
go  sprawling  into  the  mud  and  roll  down  the  embankment  to 
the  water,  while  those  who  had  reached  high  ground  cheered 
and  laughed  at  his  misfortune.  Fortunately  there  was  a  pond 
of  clear  water  near  by  in  which  the  men  could  wash  themselves 
before  dressing. 

After  crossing  the  river  the  march  was  continued  up  the 
Coosawattee  Eiver  to  within  four  miles  of  Field's  Mills,  where 
the  column  halted  and  went  into  camp  at  dark. 

The  Coosawattee  was  too  deep  to  ford,  and  as  the  corps  had 


206  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

no  pontoons  at  hand,  a  trestle  foot-bridge  was  constructed  for 
the  infantry  -to  cross  on,  and  the  artillery  and  wagons  were 
ferried  over  in  a  flat-boat.  Moved  at  10  o'clock  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  17th,  but  it  was  10  o'clock  at  night  before  the  col 
umn  had  crossed  the  river — the  112th  Illinois  being  near  the 
rear.  The  column  pushed  forward  in  the  darkness  until  three 
o'clock  the  next  morning,  when  it  reached  Big  Spring,  on  the 
Adairsville  road,  and  halted  for  rest  and  sleep. 

Moved  at  6  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  on  the  Adairsville 
road,  marched  about  twelve  miles — delayed  by  20th  Corps 
trains,  and  cavalry  passing  the  column — and  went  into  bivou 
ac  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

The  Confederate  army  occupied  a  strong  position  stretching 
along  a  chain  of  hills  back  of  Cassville.  On  the  19th  Johnston 
issued  a  general  order,  saying  that  he  had  retreated  only  for 
strategic  purposes,  that  it  had  gone  as  far  as  was  necessary, 
that  the  time  had  come  for  giving  the  enemy  battle,  and  he 
proposed  to  fight  it  out  in  that  position.  They  had  reached 
the  "last  ditch,"  but  ingloriously  fled  and  left  the  ditch  behind 
them,  as  soon  as  Sherman's  army  made  its  appearance. 

The  23d  Corps  moved  at  3  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th, 
marched  five  miles  and  waited  until  noon,  and  then  moved 
forward  and  formed  in  line  of  battle  on  the  left  of  the  Union 
line,  close  to  the  enemy's  works.  The  other  armies  were  al 
ready  in  position,  and  as  soon  as  Schofield  had  completed  the 
line  the  Union  batteries  opened  upon  the  rebel  works.  The 
Union  army  lay  in  line  of  battle  that  night,  prepared  to  accept 
the  rebel  challenge  for  a  general  battle  on  the  morrow,  but 
during  the  night  the  rebel  army  folded  its  tents  and  stole  away 
and  retreated  across  the  Etowah  River. 

Cox's  division  moved  at  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  29th 
and  overtook  the  enemy's  rear  guard  two  miles  below  Cass 
ville,  and  drove  them,  without  serious  resistance,  nine  miles, 
to  the  Etowah  River,  which  they  crossed,  and  burned  the 
bridge  behind  them.  Two  brigades  of  the  division  (Reilly's 
and  Casement's,)  proceeded  up  the  river  a  few  miles  and  de 
stroyed  some  factories  and  iron  works,  and  then  returned  to 
Cartersville,  near  the  Etowah,  where  the  command  went  into 


DEATH  OF  CAPTAIN  WRIGHT.  207 

camp,  and  paused  a  few  days  to  take  breath,  repair  the  rail 
road  and  accumulate  supplies  for  another  advance. 

Since  the  battle  of  Resaca,  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  had  been  in 
command  of  the  112th  Illinois,  ably  assisted  by  Major  Dow. 
Col.  Henderson's  wound  was  a  serious  one — a  musket^ball 
through  the  thigh — and  required  his  retirement  from  duty  un 
til  it  should  heal. 

Capt.  Wright's  wound  was  still  more  serious,  for  it  cost  him 
his  life.  He  was  shot  through  the  arm  near  the  shoulder,  and 
the  nature  of  the  wouud  required  amputation  at  the  shoul  ier. 
He  was  taken  to  Nashville,  and  died  there,  in  hospital,  on  the 
24th  of  June.  He  was  visited  by  wife  and  friends,  but  their 
care  and  prayers  could  not  save  him.  His  remains  were  taken 
home  and  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Toulon.  Capt.  Wright  was 
a  brave,  generous,  conscientious  officer,  devoted  to  his  coun 
try,  never  shrinking  to  go  where  duty  called  him.  He  was  one 
of  the  very  few  who  practiced  his  religion,  in  the  army  as  well 
as  at  home,  and  was  respected  and  honored  as  a  Christian 
soldier  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  loss  was  regretted  and 
sincerely  mourned  by  the  whole  regiment.  The  vacancy  was 
tilled  by  the  promotion  of  First  Lieutenant  James  G.  Arm 
strong  on  the  14th  of  the  following  September. 

On  the  22nd  the  division  trains  were  loaded  with  twenty 
days  rations,  and  the  army  ordered  to  be  ready  to  move  on  the 
following  day,  and  early  the  next  morning  the  columns  were 
in  motion. 

The  23d  Corps  again  moved  to  the  left  and  reached  Milam's 
Bridge,  ten  miles  down  the  Etowah,  at  noon,  but  as  Hooker's 
corps  was  using  the  pontoons,  Schofield  was  obliged  to  wait 
until  the  20th  Corps  was  across  and  out  of  the  way.  The  23d 
Corps  crossed  at  6  o'clock  the  following  morning,  and  proceed 
ed  rapidly  toward  Burnt  Hickory — the  cavalry  in  advance,  en 
gaged  in  severe  skirmishing  and  driving  the  enemy  before 
them. 

The  heat  was  intense  and  water  scarce,  and  many  of  the 
men  were  prostrated  by  the  burning  sun,  a'nd  compelled  to  fall 
out  and  seek  shelter  under  the  trees.  Marched  ten  miles.  At 
dark  heavy  cannonading  was  heard  on  the  right,  which  con 
tinued  at  intervals  through  the  night. 


208  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Another  flank  movement  was  being  made  by  Sherman,  and 
this  time  Johnston  fell  back  and  selected  a  position  near  Dal 
las — a  portion  of  his  army  occupying  strong  intrenchments 
at  New  Hope  Church,  in  the  same  vicinity. 

On  the  25th  the  23d  Corps  rested  near  Burnt  Hickory,  while 
other  divisions  were  swinging  to  the  right,  the  cavalry,  in  the 
meantime,  reconnoitering  and  scouring  the  roads  to  the  left 
and  front. 

The  country  was  rugged,  mountainous  and  densely  wooded. 
Even  in  the  daytime  it  was  difficult  to  see  but  a  short  distance 
ahead.  At  6  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  bugle  sounded  "atten 
tion!"  and  the  column  again  moved  forward,  but  a  tremen 
dous  thunder  shower  came  up  and  it  was  as  dark  as  night,  so 
the  troops  could  make  but  little  headway.  After  groping  along 
four  hours,  an  order  was  given  to  halt,  stack  arms  and  wait 
until  the  storm  had  ceased.  Waited  until  one  o'clock  in  the 
morning  of  the  26th  and  again  moved  forward,  marched  seven 
miles,  crossed  Pumpkin-vine  Creek  and  moved  to  the  front. 
Breakfasted  *at  seven  and  moved  to  the  left.  McPherson  was 
moving  up  to  Dallas  on  the  right,  Thomas  was  moving  against 
the  rebel  center  at  New  Hope  Church,  and  the  23d  Corps  was 
moving  to  the  left  to  turn  the  enemy's  right.  As  the  3d  Divis 
ion  of  the  23d  Corps  (Cox's)  was  moving  through  the  dense 
timber  the  enemy  opened  a  heavy  musketry  fire  upon  the  col 
umn,  and  skirmishing  continued  until  dark.  The  Itith  Ken 
tucky  and  100th  Ohio  regiments,  of  the  1st  brigade,  lost  sever 
al  men  killed  and  wounded,  but  the  112th  Illinois  met  with  no 
casualties. 

Heavy  skirmishing  commenced  at  5  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  27th,  and  continued  with  but  slight  intermission  all  day. 
The  enemy  made  an  assault  on  the  left  of  the  line,  and  the 
100th  Ohio  and  the  112th  Illinois  were  moved  to  the  left  to  re 
inforce  the  line ;  but  the  assault  was  repulsed  without  their 
assistance.  Part  of  the  4th  and  14th  corps  moved  to  the  left 
and  advanced  their  lines  upon  the  enemy's  flank.  At  dark 
the  enemy  opened  a  furious  artillery  fire  along  the  whole  line, 
but  as  our  men  were  protected  by  heavy  breast- works  the  cas 
ualties  were  slight.  John  R.  Jones  of  Co.  B,  of  the  112th,  was 
slightly  wounded  by  a  splinter  from  a  head  log,  but  remained 


SKIRMISHING.  209 

on  duty.       This   was  the   only    casualty    in   the    regiment. 

Severe  skirmishing  continued  during  the  night,  which  in 
creased  at  daybreak  on  the  morning  of  the  28th,  and  was  kept 
up  aJl  day.  The  position  of  the  forces  in  our  front  remained 
unchanged.  Prisoners  reported  Hardee's  corps  in  front, 
Folk's  011  the  right  and  Hood's  on  the  left. 

Lieut.  Homer  Sherbondy  of  Co..  C,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  was 
severely  wounded  on  the  skirmish  line  and  sent  to  the  field 
hospital  in  the  rear. 

]  Hiring  the  following  night  the  rebels  made  several  attacks  up 
on  our  lines,  but  were  repulsed  each  time  without  serious  effort. 

Heavy  skirmishing  commenced  at  daylight  on  the  29th  and 
continued  all  day  and  the  following  night.  During  the  night 
the  enemy  made  an  effort  to  dislodge  McPherson  on  the  right. 
The  rebel  batteries  opened  fire  along  the  whole  line  from  right 
to  k'ft,  which  were  replied  to  by  the  Union  batteries,  and  for 
two  or  three  hours  the  cannonading  was  deafening. 

A  narrow  valley,  in  many  places  only  a  ravine,  separated 
the  two  lines ;  and  as  far  as  the  eye  could  see  to  the  right  and 
left,  the  Hashing  artillery  aiid/liying,  bursting,  screaming  shells 
made  a  magnificent  but  dangerous  display  of  fireworks,  in  the 
darkness  of  the  night.  The  rebel  skirmish  lines  were  advanc 
ed  close  up  to  our  line  of  works  but  were  driven  back,  and  the 
morning  found  the  position  unchanged  from  the  day  before. 

Heavy  skirmishing  and  considerable  artillery  firing  contin 
ued  on  the  30th  and  31st,  day  and  night.  The  enemy  made 
an  assault  upon  our  lines  at  10  o'clock  in  the  morning,  on  the 
31st,  but  were  repulsed  with  heavy  loss.  The  loss  of  the  1st 
Brigade  was  three  killed  and  eight  wounded,  among  the  latter 
Sorg.  John  H.  Bunnell,  of  Co.  B,  112th  Illinois,  who  was  mor 
tally  wounded,  and  died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  on  the  12th  of 
August,  181)4. 

This  on ded  the  first  month's  work ;  and  the  entire  Union 
army,  ironi  Gen.  Sherman  to  the  humblest  private,  was  well 
pleased  with  the  result. 

Let  us  now  go  back  a  little.  On  the  24th  of  May,  after  the 
Union  army  had  crossed  the  Etowah,  Johnston  being  uncer 
tain  as  to  the  movements  of  Sherman,  sent  a  division  of  cav- 
-14 


210  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

airy,  under  Wheeler,  across  the  Etowah,  to  push  into  Cass- 
ville  and  discover  and  report  what  was  there.  Wheeler  found 
that  the  whole  army  had  moved ;  but  unfortunately  he  found 
part  of  the  trains  still  at  Cassville,  with  a  small  guard,  and, 
swooping  down  on  them,  captured  about  seventy  wagons  and 
nearly  two  hundred  prisoners.  Among  the  latter  were  Lieut. 
George  C.  Alden,  the  Quartermaster  of  the  regiment,  and  John 
W.  Adair  of  Co.  A,  James  Lindsay  of  Co.  I),  Welcome  B. 
French  of  Co.  K  and  Lewis  P.  Peterson  of  Co.  G,  of  the  112th 
Illinois.  Lieut.  Alden  remained  a  prisoner  until  the  following 
March,  suffering  Ull  the  horrors  of  rebel  prison  life,  and  several 
times  lying  at  the  point  of  death,  when  he  was  paroled  and 
entered  our  lines  at  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  where  he  found  the 
regiment.  After  a  visit  home,  to  recover  from  the  effects  of 
prison  fare  and  rebel  cruelty,  he  returned  and  rejoined  the 
regiment  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  about  a  month  before  it  was 
mustered  out  of  service. 

After  his  capture  Lieut.  Alden  suffered  the  usual  indignities 
heaped  upon  Union  prisoners  by  rebel  officers  and  soldiers. 
He  was  robbed  of  money  and  valuables,  but  had  no  reason  to 
expect  that  he  would  be  required  to  surrender  his  clothing. 
In  this,  however,  he  was  disappointed.  But  a  few  hours  after 
his  capture  he  was  accosted  by  a  rebel  cavalry  officer  and  po 
litely  requested  to  trade  hats,  the  officer  at  the  same  time  tak 
ing  his  hat  and  replacing  it  with  a  much  poorer  one.  Soon 
another  officer  made  the  same  request,  in  the  same  manner, 
and  with  the  same  result.  This  was  repeated  until  Alden  was 
hatless.  Another  rebel  officer,  in  the  same  manner,  compell 
ed  him  to  trade  boots  ;  and  he  traded,  and  traded  again,  until 
he  was  barefooted.  If  any  suppose  that  the  Quartermaster 
tamely  submitted  to  being  robbed  without  objection  or  protest, 
they  do  not  know  the  man.  He  did  protest  most  vigorously, 
and  denounced  their  acts  of  vandalism  in  language  more  forci 
ble  than  polite,  but  all  to  no  purpose.  He  was  in  their  power  ; 
and  no  argument,  no  appeal  to  their  generosity,  no  denuncia 
tion  could  influence  these  "chivalric"  sons 'of  the  South  to  de 
sist  from  their  acts  of  brutality,  and  he  was  compelled  to  sub 
mit. 

And  the  Confederate  officer  who  stole  his  hat  is  now  a  mem- 


IN  BEBEL  PBISONS.  211 

ber  of  the  United  States  Congress ;  and  the  officer  who  robbed 
him  of  his  boots  is  a  member  of  that  august,  honorable  and  dig 
nified  body,  the  United  States  Senate.  Verily,  there  is  no  other 
government  on  the  face  of  the  earth  that  thus  exalts  and  re 
wards  its  traitors,  or  permits  them  to  hold  high  and  honorable 
places  in  the  councils  of  the  Nation.  During  Lieut.  Alden's 
absence  from  the  regiment,  Lieut.  Jacob  Bush  of  Co.  K,  act 
ed  as  quartermaster  until  the  3d  of  November,  1864,  when 
Lieut.  George  W.  Lawrence,  of  Co.  I,  was  detailed,  and  acted 
as  quartermaster  until  Lieut.  Alden's  return  to  the  regiment. 

James  Lindsay,  who  was  captured  with  Lieut.  Alden,  was 
the  Quartermaster's  clerk.  He  was  inhumanly  and  wickedly 
murdered  by  a  rebel  guard,  while  confined  in  prison  at  Flor 
ence,  S.  C.,  in  January,  1865  ;  and  the  guard  was  rewarded  for 
his  bravery  with  a  thirty  days  furlough  home  and  a  promotion 
after  his  return.  Another  illustration  of  Southern  inhumanity. 

John  W.  Adair,  Welcome  B.  French  and  Lewis  P.  Peterson 
survived  the  horrors  of  rebel  prisons,  and  are  still  living. 
French  escaped  from  the  rebels  at  Raleigh,  N.  C.,  and  con 
cealed  himself  in  a  box  car  and  rode  to  Goldsboro,  where  he 
boarded  a  train  loaded  with  Union  prisoners,  bound  for  Wil 
mington  for  exchange,  and  was  taken  to  the  latter  place,  with 
out  being  discovered,  and  was  exchanged  on  the  4th  of  March, 
1865.  Neither  of  them  ever  returned  to  the  regiment  for  duty. 
All  three  were  discharged  for  disability  incurred  in  rebel  prisons. 

Among  the  wagons  captured  at  Cassville  was  the  regimental 
wagon  of  the  112th  Illinois,  containing  all  the  records  of  the 
regiment  and  of  each  company,  and  the  officers'  clothing  and 
baggage.  The  loss  of  the  officers'  clothing  and  other  property 
was  severe  to  them,  under  the  circumstances,  but  the  loss  of 
the  regimental  and  company  records  was  irreparable.  It  made 
work  and  trouble  to  every  officer  in  the  regiment  in  making  up 
reports  and  accounts,  and,  more  than  all,  much  valuable  ma 
terial  for  a  proper  history  of  the  regiment  was  blotted  out  of 
existence  and  cannot  be  supplied. 

Lieut.  Sherbondy,  as  we  have  seen,  was  wounded  and  taken 
to  the  field  hospital  on  the  28th  of  May.  One  of  the  Bennett 
boys  of  his  company  was  detailed  to  accompany  and  take  care 
of  him.  When  the  army  moved  to  the  left,  about  the  first  of 


212  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

• 

June,  it  necessitated  the  moving  of  the  hospitals.  The  ambu 
lances  were  over-crowded  and  Lieut.  Sherbondy  volunteered 
to  wait  until  one  could  return  for  him.  He  was  left  at  a  log 
cabin  occupied  by  two  women,  and  Bennett  remained  with 
him.  As  soon  as  the  Union  army  had  moved,  rebel  cavalry 
were  scouring  the  country  in  quest  of  information  as  to  the 
movement ;  and  the  ambulance  sent  back  after  Lieut.  Sher- 
bondy  was  captured,  with  the  driver  and  team.  The  ambu 
lance  driver  was  Zarah  H.  Newton  of  Co.  F,  112th  Illinois, 
and  the  next  time  he  and  Sherboiidy  met  was  at  Andersonville 
in  the  following  winter ;  for  although  the  latter  escaped  cap 
ture  this  time,  he  was  afterward  "taken  in"  at  Columbia  in 
November,  1864,  and  confined  for  a  time  in  the  "nigger  pen" 
at  Andersonville. 

No  ambulance  arrived,  and  at  daylight  the  next  morning 
Bennett  went  out  to  recoimoiter.  In  a  few  moments  one  of 
the  women  informed  Lieut.  Bherbondy  that  a  squad  of  Confed 
erate  soldiers  was  on  picket  but  a  short  distance  from  the 
h  mse.  Sherbondy's  wound  was  a  severe  one  in  the  side,  and 
he  was  nearly  paralyzed,  but  he  determined  to  escape  capture 
if  possible  to  do  so.  He  could  not  stand,  even  with  the  assist 
ance  of  the  women,  so  he  rolled  off  the  stretcher  and  attempt 
ed  to  crawl  to  the  door.  But  the  effort  was  too  much  for  him, 
and  he  fainted.  When  he  returned  to  consciousness  he  found 
himself  in  the  thick  underbrush  about  forty  feet  from  the 
house,  where  he  had  been  carried  by  the  women,  assisted  by  a 
small  boy. 

In  a  short  time  a  brigade  of  rebel  cavalry  passed  along  with 
in  twenty  feet  of  where  he  lay,  but  the  brush  concealed  him 
from  view  and  he  was  not  discovered.  The  boy  brought  him 
some  milk,  and  Bherbondy  then  sent  him  to  reconnoiter,  but 
without  favorable  results.  He  lay  there  until  8  o'clock,  when, 
with  the  assistance  of  the  two  women,  he  sought  a  safer  place, 
further  from  the  house,  near  the  edge  of  an  old  field.  But 
the  exertion  brought  on  hemorrhage  of  th'j  lungs,  and  he 
thought  his  last  day  had  come.  But  he  recovered,  and  just  at 
night  saw  some  Union  soldiers  going  down  to  Pumpkinvine 
Creek  after  water.  He  was  too  weak  to  call  the  women,  and 
breaking  off  a  sassafras  bush,  signalled  the  soldiers,  and  finally 


LIEUT.  SHERBONDY'S  ESCAPE.         213 

caught  their  attention.  They  came  to  him,  and  obtaining  the 
stretcher,  carried  him  to  the  4th  Corps  hospital,  which  had 
not  been  moved,  and  thence  he  was  sent  to  Ackworth,  on  the 
railroad,  and  then  to  Nashville,  where  he  remained  until  his 
wound  was  healed,  and  then  returned  to  the  regiment.  Lieut. 
Sherbondy  very  justly  gives  those  two  women  credit  for  hav 
ing  saved  his  life,  for  his  capture  at  that  time  could  have  been 
attended  with  but  one  result — quick  death. 

Later  in  the  campaign  an  Ohio  man  of  the  23d  Corps  was 
accused  of  making  a  criminal  assault  upon  a  woman.  He  was 
tried  by  drum-head  court  martial,  found  guilty  beyond  any 
doubt,  and  sentenced  to  be  shot,  and  the  next  morning  the  sen 
tence  was  executed.  The  woman  upon  whom  he  made  the  as 
sault  wras  one  of  the  Good  Samaritans  who  had  befriended  and 
assisted  Lieut.  Sherbondy — a  most  shameful  recompense  for 
her  kindness  to  a  Union  soldier.  But  it  can  be  said,  truthfully, 
that  such  outrages  were  very  rarely  committed  by  Union  sol 
diers,  and  when  convicted  their  punishment  was  sure  and  quick  ; 
there  was  no  escape  from  the  consequences  of  their  crime. 

On  the  other  hand,  complaints  were  frequently  made  to  Un 
ion  officers,  by  citizens,  of  numerous  outrages  of  that  charac 
ter  committed  by  rebel  soldiers,  and  especially  by  rebel  cavalry. 
The  kSouthern  people  generally  feared  their  own  cavalry  more 
than  the  Union  armies.  The  latter  stripped  them  of  horses 
and  cattle  and  forage,  but  did  not  break  into  their  houses  nor 
insult  their  women.  A  citizen  of  North  Carolina  informed  the 
author  that  when  Lee's  army  passed  through  that  State,  after 
the  surrender,  no  woman  was  safe  from  insult  and  no  house 
secure  against  burglary.  The  rebel  soldiers  revelled  in  lust 
and  larceny,  and  gloried  in  their  own  shame  and  wickedness. 
Thank  God,  no  such  accusation  can  truthfully  be  brought 
against  the  soldiers  who  fought  for  the  Union.  Bad  men  there 
were  in  the  National  army,  but  they  were  few,  and  when  con 
victed  of  crime  met  with  sure  and  condign  punishment.  Say 
what  you  may  about  the  "honor"  of  the  men  of  the  South,  the 
morale  of  the  Northern  army,  its  intelligence  arid  sense  of  jus 
tice,  were  vastly  superior  to  the  Southern  army  ;  and  no  better 
witnesses  to  this  fact  can  be  found  than  the  men  and  wromen-— 
the  citizens — of  the  South. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN,  CONTINUED. 

FROM  DALLAS    TO  THE    CHATTAHOOCHEE — PINE    MOUNTAIN. 
KENESAW — MARIETTA. 

The  position  of  the  opposing  armies  remained  unchanged 
on  the  first  day  of  June.  Skirmishing  and  artillery  firing  con 
tinued  along  the  whole  front,  but  there  was  no  general  engage 
ment.  The  Confederate  army  was  strongly  intrenched,  and 
instead  of  sacrificing  the  lives  of  his  men  by  a  direct  assault, 
Gen.  Sherman  preferred  to  make  another  flank  movement  to 
the  left  to  strike  the  railroad  at  Ackworth,  which  would  com- 
pell  Johnston  to  abandon  his  works  around  Dallas  and  New 
Hope  Church. 

At  3  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  first,  the  23d  Corps  was 
relieved  by  Davis'  division  of  the  4th  Corps,  and  moved  two 
miles  to  the  rear  and  went  into  bivouac  for  the  night. 

Marched  at  5  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  2nd  of  June,  to 
near  Burnt  Church,  and,  forming  in  line  of  battle,  Cox's  Divi 
sion  in  the  center,  moved  forward,  and  crossed  Allatoona  Creek, 
near  the  Dallas  and  Ackworth  roads,  and  gained  a  position 
within  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  enemy's  in- 
trenchxneuts. 


THUNDER  AND  ARTILLERY.  215 

As  the  1st  Brigade  was  moving  into  position  in  the  line,  by 
the  flank,  through  dense  woods  and  thickets,  the  head  of  the 
column  suddenly  struck  the  refiel  skirmish  line,  and  the  bul 
lets  whistled  through  the  timber  furiously.  Companies  A  and 
F  were  deployed  as  skirmishers,  and  soon  drove  them  out  of 
the  woods  and  across  an  open  field  to  the  edge  of  heavy  tim 
ber,  where  a  heavy  line  of  infantry  could  be  seen  awaiting  our 
advance.  The  brigade  charged  across  the  field,  in  the  midst 
of  a  terrific  thunder  shower — the  heavy  peals  of  thunder  and 
the  roar  of  the  enemy's  artillery  mingling  together,  making  it 
difficult  to  distinguish  one  from  the  other.  The  enemy  were 
driven  from  the  position  in  the  edge  of  the  timber  to  the  heavy 
intrenchments  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  the  rear,  and 
the  Union  troops  occupied  their  line.  The  enemy  opened  a 
furious  artillery  fire,  but  on  account  of  the  formation  of  the 
ground  could  not  reach  our  line,  except  down  one  or  two  ra 
vines,  which  were  kept  so  hot  that  no  man  could  cross  them. 

The  112th  Illinois  lost  several  men  wounded  in  this  affair, 
but  the  only  names  the  author  has  been  able  to  obtain  are 
those  of  Hiram  Newton  and  Jacob  W.  Pay  ton,  both  of  Co.  D. 

The  men  on  the  line  passed  an  uncomfortable  night.  The 
ground  was  too  wet  and  muddy  to  lie  or  sit  upon ;  the  rain 
had  wet  them  to  the  skin,  and  they  were  compelled  to  keep 
moving  to  prevent  being  chilled.  Temporary  breast-works 
were  built  during  the  night,  and  the  morning  found  the  Union 
line  prepared  to  hold  fast  what  it  had  gained. 

Heavy  skirmishing  continued  on  the  3d,  until  a  heavy  thun 
der  storm  in  the  afternoon  compelled  both  parties  to  cease  fir 
ing.  The  Union  lines  were  extended  still  further  to  the  left, 
and  that  night  the  enemy  abandoned  the  works  in  our  imme 
diate  front  and  fell  back  to  another  intrenched  position  near 
Pickett's  Mill,  and  on  the  4th  the  division  moved  into  their  in 
trenchments,  which  were  found  to  be  solid  and  substantial, 
and  evidently  made  with  the  purpose  of  holding  them. 

The  Union  troops  continued  to  move  to  the  left,  and  in  the 
night  of  the  4th  Johnston  was  again  forced  to  let  go  along  his 
whole  line  and  retreat  to  a  new  line  of  defense  extending  from 
Brush  Mountain,  just  north  of  Kenesaw,  southwest  to  Pine 
Mountain,  and  thence  to  Lost  Mountain. 


216  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

The  23d  Corps  remained  in  its  original  position  until  the  re 
mainder  of  the  army  had  taken  positions  on  its  left,  and  on 
the  8th  the  corps  was  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  Union  line, 
without  having  moved.  The  railroad  was  reached,  and  four 
days  later  the  line  had  been  repaired,  bridges  rebuilt,  and  cars 
were  running  into  Big  Shanty.  Sherman's  army  gre^te  1  the 
locomotive  whistle  with  cheer  after  cheer,  while  Johnston's 
must  have  been  astonished  at  the  speedy  continuation  of  Slier- 
man's  line  of  communication  as  his  army  advanced. 

The  3d  division  engaged  in  a  slight  skirmish  with  a  small 
body  of  rebel  cavalry  which  was  prowling  around  the  right  and 
rear,  on  the  7th,  and  on  the  9th  supported  the  2nd  Division  on 
a  reconnoissance. 

On  the  10th  the  whole  army  moved  forward,  Cox's  division, 
of  the  23d  Corps,  on  the  extreme  right.  The  division  broke 
camp  at  9  o'clock,  and  marched  from  near  Allatoona  Church, 
about  five  miles  on  the  Sandtown  road.  Found  the  enemy  in 
position  across  Allatoona  Creek,  and  slept  on  our  arms  in  line 
of  battle. 

The  llth  was  another  rainy  day.  Severe  skirmishing  was 
kept  up  until  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  line  was  or 
dered  forward  into  position  nearer  the  enemy's  linos.  In  the 
advance  Co.  G,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  lost  two  men  on  the,  skir 
mish  line — George  W.  Hempstead,  mortally  wounded  (died  in 
field  hospital  on  the  14th),  and  William  Elkins,  severely 
wounded. 

The  rain  continued  on  the  12fch,  but  did  not  prevent  severe 
skirmishing.  The  lines  were  so  near  together  that  tli'j  skirm 
ishers  were  "crowded"  close  together,  and  on  either  side  were 
glad  to  seek  shelter  in  rifle  pits  or  behind  trees.  At  5  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  the  112th  Illinois  was  ordered  out  on  the  skir 
mish  line,  and  remained  on  picket  until  the  next  afternoon, 
when  it  was  relieved  and  took  a  new  position  and  built  strong 
works  on  the  right  of  the  brigade. 

Henry  M.  Kicharch,  of  Co.  I,  was  wounded  on  the  12th,  and 
George  H.  Ferris,  of  Co.  D,  on  the  13th,  while  on  the  skirmish 
line. 

Francis  J.  Liggett  and  William  D.  Freeman,  of  Co.  B,  112th 
Illinois,  came  into  our  lines  from  Andersonville,  on  the  13th, 


THE  ADVANCE  CONTINUED.  217 

having  made  their  escape  on  the  24th  of  May.  Their  appear 
ance  was  more  like  Georgia  "crackers"  than  Union  soldiers ; 
hair  long  and  unkempt,  underclothing  on  the  outside,  to  con 
ceal  the  blue,  faces  thin  and  pinched,  clothing  ragged  and  dir 
ty  ;  they  were  indeed  in  a  pitiable  condition,  yet  the  boys  could 
not  help  laughing  at  their  ludicrous  appearance.  They  had 
been  eight  months  in  rebel  prisons,  and  did  not  regret  the 
hardships  they  had  endured  for  twenty  days  in  crawling 
through  the  woods,  eating  raw  meat  and  berries,  to  escape 
the  horrors  of  prison  life.  Of  course  they  received  furloughs, 
and  started  north  to  visit  their  homes. 

On  the  14th  strongly  supported  skirmish  lines  were  advanc 
ed,  and  the  whole  front  moved  well  up  to  the  enemy's  line  of 
works.  On  the  right  Cox's  division,  supported  by  the  2nd  Di 
vision,  drove  the  enemy's  skirmishers  from  the  hill  occupied 
by  them  across  Allatoona  Creek,  obtained  a  cross-fire  with  ar 
tillery  upon  their  line  of  intrenchments,  and,  under  cover  of 
the  fire,  carried  the  line  and  captured  a  considerable  number 
of  prisoners. 

The  advance  movement  was  continued  on  the  loth.  The 
Union  batteries  shelled  the  rebel  lines  furiously,  and  the  20th 
Corps,  on  our  left,  engaged  in  heavy  fighting.  Eeilly's  brig 
ade  of  Cox's  division  was  in  reserve. 

Heavy  cannonading  all  day  on  the  16th.  The  2nd  Division 
of  the  23d  Corps  moved  to  the  right;  clear  of  the  line,  and  ad 
vancing  rapidly  in  conjunction  with  the  right  of  Cox's  divi 
sion,  obtained  possession  of  high  ground  from  which  an  enfi 
lading  fire  was  opened  with  artillery  upon  the  rebel  line,  and 
the  enemy  abandoned  the  works  and  fell  back  to  another  in 
trenched  position  across  Mud  Creek. 

Moved  forward  inline  of  battle  on  the  morning  of  the  17th, 
skirmishing  sharply  and  driving  the  rebels  back.  On  reach 
ing  the  Marietta  road,  Cox's  division  of  the  23d  Corps,  moved 
down  the  road  in  search  of  the  enemy's  flank.  Reaching  the 
valley  of  Mud  Creek  the  enemy  opened  fire  with  artillery,  but 
the  division  advanced  rapidly  across  the  open  ground  and 
gained  possession  of  a  hill  opposite  and  within  close  range  of 
the  rebel  works.  Cockerell's  battery  of  Ohio  artillery  unlim- 
bered  just  behind  the  crest  of  the  hill,  only  the  muzzles  of  the 


218  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

guns  visible  from  the  front,  and  for  an  hour  or  more  engaged 
in  a  brilliant  artillery  duel.  The  3d  Division  lay  in  line  under 
the  hill  in  support  of  the  battery— the  112th  Illinois  nearest 
the  battery — but  the  men  were  protected  from  danger  by  the 
hill.  At  the  same  time  Hooker's  corps  on  the  left  was  engag 
ed  in  severe  fighting,  and  Hascall's  division  of  the  23d  Corps 
was  engaged  on  the  right.  The  air  was  full  of  flying  missiles 
— solid  shot  and  shells.  In  the  midst  of  the  uproar  the  112fch 
band  obtained  a  favorable  position  and  played  several  Nation 
al  airs,  which  the  rebels  could  hear  in  an  occasional  lull  of  the 
artillery  tiring,  and  which  were  cheered  to  the  echo  by  the  boys 
in  blue. 

The  rebel  batteries  were  silenced,  but  each  side  held  its  po 
sition  and  kept  up  sharp  skirmishing,  until  night  put  an  end 
to  further  operations. 

The  casualties  of  the  112th  Illinois  on  the  17th  were  Wil 
liam  J.  Hill  killed,  Edward  Miller  mortally  wounded  (died  Ju 
ly  1),  and  Lieut.  A.  P.  Petrie  wounded,  all  of  Co.  C  ;  Eiley  Ma- 
ranville  of  Co.  E,  severely  wounded,  and  Calvin  H.  Howe  of 
Co.  I,  captured — all  on  the  skirmish  line.  Howe  was  errone 
ously  and  very  unjustly  reported  as  a  deserter,  and  dropped 
from  his  company  rolls.  But  when  the  rebels  brought  a  train 
load  of  prisoners  into  our  lines  at  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  the  fol 
lowing  year,  among  them  was  Howe,  and  Capt.  Wilkins  at 
once  corrected  the  mistake  and  had  him  reinstated  as  a  mem 
ber  of  his  company  in  good  standing. 

And  this  leads  the  author  to  remark  that  company  com 
manders  wrere  frequently  too  hasty  in  reporting  absent  or  miss 
ing  men  as  deserters  ;  and  many  a  man  has  the  ignominious 
term  written  opposite  his  name  in  the  Adjutant  General's  Ke- 
ports  of  this  State,  who  does  not  deserve  it.  Men  were  fre 
quently  kept  at  hospitals  and  barracks  against  their  will,  and 
after  they  had  recovered  from  wounds  or  illness,  to  perform 
menial  services  for  the  officers,  or  to  keep  a  sufficient  number 
present  to  assure  the  retention  of  the  officers  in  charge,  and 
these  men  often  ran  away  and  joined  their  commands  at  the 
front,  and  were  reported  by  the  high  officials  in  "soft  places" 
as  deserters.  The  author  personally  knows  of  several  such  cas 
es  in  the  112th  Illinois,  and  in  one  case  the  man  was  severely 


A  RECRUIT'S  ERROR.  219 

wounded  on  the  skirmish  line  on  the  very  day  his  company 
commander  received  notice  from  a  hospital  in  St.  Louis  that 
he  had  deserted. 

About  one  hundred  recruits  joined  the  112th  Illinois  on  the 
evening  of  the  16th  of  June.  The  next  morning,  before  the 
movements  of  the  day  had  commenced,  one  of  them,  Robert 
H.  Vining,  of  Co.  H,  went  out  in  front  of  the  works  to  watch  a 
detail  of  men  engaged  in  digging  a  pit  for  a  battery.  He  %was 
cautioned  by  the  men  at  work  not  to  expose  himself,  but  his 
curiosity  got  the  better  of  him  and  he  remained.  In  a  few 
moments  he  was  struck  by  a  rebel  musket  ball,  and  was  car 
ried  back  severely  wounded— a  wiser  but  sadder  soldier.  He 
lost  a  leg,  and  his  military  career  was  ended. 

It  rained  very  hard  all  day  on  the  18th,  but  the  weather  did 
not  prevent  the  Union  troops  from  gaining  several  advantage 
ous  positions,  and  that  night  Johnston  was  again  forced  to 
abandon  his  line  of  intrenchments,  and  fall  back  to  a  line  near 
Marietta,  the  key  of  which  was  Kenesaw  Mountain — leaving  a 
heavy  rear  guard  in  the  trenches. 

It  still  continued  to  rain  on  the  19'h,  but  at  day-break  an 
advance  was  ordered,  the  rebel  rear  gu-ird  driven  from  the 
trenches,  and  the  works  occupied.  Again  the  whole  line  ad 
vanced — the  23d  Corps  along  the  Sandtown  road,  on  the  ene 
my's  flank,  to  Nose  Creek.  The  rebels  had  removed  the  planks 
from  the  bridge,  and  the  little  stream  had  been  swollen  by  re 
cent  rains  until  it  was  a  raging  torrent,  too  deep  to  ford.  The 
dismantled  bridge  was  covered  by  artillery,  supported  by  cav 
alry,  and  no  attempt  was  made  to  force  a  crossing  on  the  19th  ; 
but  on  the  20th  a  battery  was  advanced  to  a  knoll  near  the 
creek,  and  the  bushes  along  the  stream  filled  with  sharpshoot 
ers,  and  under  protection  of  these,  the  103d  Ohio,  of  Case 
ment's  brigade  of  the  3d  Division,  crossed  on  the  stringers  of 
the  bridge  and  gained  a  foothold  on  the  opposite  side.  The 
whole  brigade  then  crossed,  followed  by  the  remainder  of  the 
division,  and  on  the  22nd  the  whole  corps  occupied  an  in 
trenched  position,  well  advanced  on  the  enemy's  left  flank, 
and  nearly  south  of  Kenesaw  Mountain. 

From  the  22nd  to  the  26th  the  time  was  occupied  in  getting 
the  troops  into  position  and  strengthening  the  lines.  Hood 


220  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

made  a  furious  attack  with  his  corps  upon,  the  2nd  Division  of 
the  23d  Corps,  and  a  division  of  the  20th  Corps,  but  was  repuls 
ed  with  considerable  loss.     On  the  23d  Andrew  T.  Allen,  of  Co. 
H,  was  wounded,  which  was  the  only  casualty  in.  t '.13  112:11 
Illinois. 

On  the  26th  Reilly's  brigade  advanced,  and,  affer  a  sharp 
skirmish  and  under  cover  of  a  brisk  cannonade  by  the  23d 
(Myers')  Indiana  battery,  occupied  and  intrenched  a  strong 
position  on  the  hills  near  Olley's  Creek. 

The  enemy  held  a  fortified  hill  across  the  creek,  on  a  ridge 
between  Olley's  and  Nickajack  creeks.  The  112th  Illinois  was. 
thrown  forward  on  the  right  of  the  battery,  which  kept  up  a 
brisk  fire  upon  the  enemy.  The  remainder  of  the  division  and 
Hascall's  division  followed  and  occupied  other  hills  in  contin 
uation  of  Reilly's  line,  and  pressed  the  enemy  so  closely  as  to 
keep  them  under  cover. 

Gen.  Sherman  was  preparing  to  make  a  direct  assault  on 
the  enemy's  works  on  Kenesaw  Mountain,  on  th  e  27th,  and 
these  demonstrations  were  made  on  the  extreme  right  of  the 
Union  line  to  induce  Johnston  to  strengthen  his  left  by  detach 
ing  troops  from  his  right  and  center ;  but  the  activity  of  the 
skirmish  line  along  the  whole  front  seems  to  have  puzzled  the 
Confederate  commander  to  decide  at  what  point  there  was  the 
greatest  danger,  and  his  lines  were,  therefore,  kept  intact. 

It  had  been  Gen.  Schofield's  intention  to  attack  the  enemy 
with  the  2nd  Division  on  the  27th,  but  the  plan  was  changed 
to  a  strong  demonstration  by  that  division,  while  Cox's  division 
made  a  further  divergent  movement  to  the  right  down  the 
Sandtown  road.  At  daybreak  the  movement  commenced. 
Cameron's  brigade  crossed  Olley's  Creek  and  occupied  a  posi 
tion  to  the  right  and  rear  of  Byrd's  brigade,  which  had  crossed 
the  night  before.  Reilly's  brigade  attempted  to  cross  near  the 
Sandtown  road,  but  the  bridge  was  broken  down  and  covered 
by  a  rebel  battery,  so  that  a  crossing  could  not  be  effected 
without  too  great  sacrifice.  One  regiment  was  deployed  as 
skirmishers  and  kept  up  a  brisk  fire  in  front,  while  the  other 
regiments  of  the  brigade  moved  down  the  creek  until  a  position 
for  a  battery  was  found  on  the  flank  of  the  rebel  line,  and  un 
der  cover  of  the  fcfire  of  the  battery,  the  regiments  waded  a 


AT  KENESAW  MOUNTAIN.  221 

swamp,  forded  the  creek,  and  charged  tip  the  hill  on  the  rebel 
Hank.  Cameron's  brigade  at  the  same  time  moved  against 
the  other  flank,  and  the  enemy  broke  and  ran. 

The  position  was  occupied  by  Reilly's  brigade  and  strongly 
intrenched — Cameron  joined  on  the  left,  and.  he  connected 
with  Byrd's  brigade. 

The  corps  was  now  far  in  advance  of  the  center  and  left  of 
the  Union  line,  in  fact  was  in  rear  of  the  rebel  army  occupying 
Kenesaw. 

While  the  men  were  at  work  on  the  intrenchments  the  roar 
of  artillery  far  to  the  left  and  rear  notified  them  that  the  ball 
had  opened  on  the  fortified  heights  of  Kenesaw,  and  Reilly's 
brigade  was  at  once  again  moved  forward,  driving  the  rebel 
cavalry  before  it,  about  two  miles,  to  a  cross  road  leading  into 
the  main  road  from  Marietta  to  Sandtown. 

Cameron's  brigade  joined  on  the  left,  and  the  men  set  to 
work  with  a  will  to  fortify  the  position  against  attack  from  the 
front  and  flank.  The  division  was  separated  from  the  rest  of 
the  army  by  Olley's  Creek  and  by  a  long  unoccupied  interval, 
and  all  felt  the  danger  of  the  position,  and  did  not  rest  until 
it  was  made  well  nigh  impregnable. 

During  the  movement  on  the  27th,  the  112th  Illinois  was  in 
advance.  The  casualties  of  the  regiment  on  the  26th,  were 
Corporal  Cornelius  Gr.  Fike,  mortally  wounded  (died  June  27th) 
and  Daniel  D.  Shellhamer,  severely  wounded,  both  of  Co.  K  ; 
on  the  27th  Charles  Eiley  of  Co.  Of.  severely,  and  Adelbert 
Newman  of  Co.  H,  slightly  wounded. 

The  result  of  the  assault  upon  the  enemy's  intrenchments 
on  Kenesaw  Mountain  is  well  known.  The  men  marched 
bravely,  heroically  to  the  charge,  but  the  position  was  too 
strong  to  be  carried. 

Hundreds  of  them  lost  their  lives  in  the  attempt,  and  tens 
of  hundreds  were  severely  wounded. 

The  assault  was  a  failure  ;  and  Sherman  resorted  to  his  old 
method  of  flanking  the  enemy  out  of  his  position.  The  posi 
tion  of  the  23d  Corps  across  Olley's  Creek  Sherman  regarded 
as  important,  and  he  at  once  commenced  the  movement  of 
troops  to  the  right  of  Schofield's  position,  threatening  the  rail 
road  and  the  bridge  across  the  Chattahoochee. 


2*22  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

From  the  position  of  Cox's  division  railroad  trains  could  be 
heard  moving  between  Marietta  and  the  river,  on  the  night  of 
June  '28th,  which  induced  the  belief  that  the  rebel  army  was 
preparing  to  retreat  south  of  the  Chattahoochee  River. 

On  the  29th  the  enemy's  lines  were  severely  shelled,  and 
there  was  considerable  sharp  skirmishing,  which  continued  all 
night  and  the  next  day.  Hascall's  division  was  moved  from 
the  left  of  Cox  and  thrown  still  further  to  the  right,  down  the 
Sandtown  road,  until  it  covered  all  the  roads  leading  into 
Marietta  from  the  west.  Its  place  in  the  line  was  filled  by 
part  of  Hooker's  corps.  And  then  a  brigade  at  a  time  was 
taken  from  the  line  and  sent  to  the  right,  those  remaining 
stretching  their  lines  to  cover  the  front. 

In  the  night  of  July  3d  Johnston  evacuated  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain  and  fell  back  to  a  new  position  in  strong  intrenchments, 
already  prepared,  behind  Nickajack  Creek.  During  the  day 
his  wagon  trains  could  be  plainly  seen  from  the  works  of  Cox's 
division,  so  near  was  the  position  to  the  road.  The  Army  of 
the  Cumberland  moved  down  through  Marietta ;  the  Army  of 
the  Tennessee  to  the  right,  and  the  Army  of  the  Ohio  stood 
fast  in  its  old  position.  On  the  4th  of  July  heavy  cannonad 
ing  toward  the  railroad  bridge  across  the  Chattahoochee  indi 
cated  that  Johnston's  left  flank  was  still  in  danger ;  and  being 
pressed  on  the  right  and  center  at  the  same  time,  he  withdrew 
from  the  position  behind  the  Nickajack,  in  the  night,  and  oc 
cupied  another  line  of  intrenchments,  also  already  prepared, 
on  the  north  bank  of  the  Chattahoochee.  These  works  extend 
ed  across  a  bend  in  the  river,  from  bank  to  bank,  covering  the 
railroad  bridge,  and  were  about  five  miles  in  length,  the  flanks 
protected  by  the  river.  They  were  elaborately  built,  and  pro 
tected  in  front  by  heavy  abattis  and  lines  of  chevaux-de-frise, 
and  were  evidently  too  strong  to  be  carried  by  ordinary  assault 
from  the  front.  Sherman  said  he  wanted  time  to  study  the 
situation  ;  and  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was  placed  in  po 
sition  on  the  left  and  center,  and  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
on  the  right,  to  invest  -Johnston's  position ;  and  the  23d  Corps 
moved  to  Smyrna  Camp  Ground,  near  the  railroad,  in  reserve, 
as  a  movable  column  ready  to  march  in  any  direction.  The 
23d  Corps  had  hardly  got  into  camp  on  the  6th  of  July,  when 


AT  THE  END  OF  TWO  MONTHS.  223 

a  locomotive  whistle  announced  to  Union  and  Confederate  sol 
diers,  alike,  that  Sherman's  lines  of  communication  were  in 
tact,  and  a  construction  train  swept  down  the  track  almost 
within 'musket  range  of  the  rebel  pickets. 

Two  months  had  passed  since  the  opening  of  the  campaign 
in  Northern  Georgia,  and  in  that  time  the  enemy  had  been 
forced  to  quit  one  stronghold  after  another,  had  been  pressed 
back  from  hill-range  to  hill-range,  over  a  broken,  mountainous 
country,  where  all  the  advantages  had  been  on  his  side,  until 
he  had  reached  the  Chattahoochee ;  and  from  the  hill-tops 
the  Union  boys  could  discern  the  spires  of  Atlanta.  Camps 
were  laid  out  and  prepared  and  arrangements  made  for  a  few 
days  rest,  but  on  the  following  day  new  movements  commenc 
ed,  which  will  be  described  in  the  next  chapter. 


CHAPTEK  XVIII. 

THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN  CONTINUED. 

ACROSS  THE  CHATTAHOOCHEE — PEACHTREE  CREEK. 

THE  CHARGE  AT  UTOY  CREEK — THE  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED. 

As  soon  as  Johnston  had  secured  his  position  on  the  river  he 
sent  his  cavalry,  under  Wheeler  and  Jackson,  to  the  right  and 
left  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  to  guard  the  flanks  and  to 
destroy  the  bridges  and  ferry  boats,  and  prevent  the  laying  of 
pontoons.  The  work  was  well  done,  and  for  twenty  miles  up 
and  down  the  river  every  bridge  and  boat  were  destroyed. 
There  were  numerous  places  where  the  river  could  be  forded 
at  times  of  low  water,  but  the  recent  heavy  rains  had  so  swol 
len  the  stream  that  the  fords  were  impassable. 

In  the  meantime  Sherman's  reserve  column  had  not  been 
idle.  A  place  had  been  found  some  seven  miles  up  the  river, 
at  the  mouth  of  Soap  Creek,  near  Phillips'  Ferry,  which  was 
insufficiently  guarded,  where  a  crossing  could  be  made. 

At  midnight  on  the  7th  of  July  the  23d  Corps  was  ordered  to 
be  ready  to  move  at  day-light  on  the  following  morning,  and 
at  4  o'clock  on  the  8th  the  column  was  in  motion.  Accompan 
ied  by  Col.  Buell's  pontoon  train,  the  corps  marched  to  the 
mouth  of  Soap  Creek,  Cox's  division  in  advance,  keeping 
away  from  the  river  so  as  not  to  be  seen  from  the  opposite 
side.  Arriving  at  the  place  of  destination,  vedettes  were  plac 
ed  along  the  river  bank,  concealing  themselves  in  the  bushes, 
and  pontoons  were  launched  in  the  creek  out  of  sight  of  the 
rebel  guards,  and  at  3  :30  in  the  afternoon  preparations  were 
completed  for  crossing.  The  boats  were  loaded  with  the  12th 
Kentucky  regiment,  of  Byrd's  brigade,  and  at  a  given  signal 


CKOSSING  THE  BIVEK.  225 

shot  out  of  the  creek  into  the  river,  the  remainder  of  the  bri 
gade  running  down  to  the  water's  edge  to  cover  the  guards  on 
the  opposite  side  with  their  rifles. 

A  cavalry  outpost  with  one  piece  of  artillery  was  stationed 
on  the  heights  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  creek,  and  as  the 
boats  glided  out  of  the  creek  into  the  river,  they  fired  one  shot 
from  the  cannon,  ran  it  back  and  reloaded,  and  ran  it  forward 
to  fire  again ;  but  Byrd's  men  on  the  opposite  bank  covered 
them  with  rifles  and  no  man  could  aim  or  fire  it.  The  boats 
were  soon  over,  and  the  men  climbed  up  the  bank,  when  the 
rebel  cavalry  and  gunners  took  to  their  heels,  leaving  gun, 
caisson  and  artillery  horses  prizes  of  war  to  the  Union  soldiers. 

In  the  meantime  Cameron's  brigade,  led  by  Col.  "Jack" 
Casement  with  his  103d  Ohio  regiment,  had  scrambled  across 
the  river  on  an  old  fish-dam  half  a  mile  above,  in  a  swift  cur 
rent,  and  joined  the  Kentuckians  on  the  heights  below. 

The  pontoon  bridge  was  laid,  and  Cox's  division  crossed 
over  and  intrenched  on  a  high  ridge  nearly  parallel  to  the  riv 
er,  forming  a  natural  bridge-head. 

On  the  9th  the  division  was  reinforced  by  two  brigades,  and 
moved  down  to  a  ridge  one  mile  south  of  the  crossing  and  in 
trenched  a  strong  position  across  the  bend  of  the  river,  cover 
ing  the  ford  and  bridge.  Johnston  had  been  kept  busy  in 
front  by  Thomas  and  McPherson,  while  Schofield  was  cross 
ing,  and  the  rebel  army  was  completely  surprised  at  the  result 
of  the  movement.  On  the  morning  of  the  9th  a  rebel  picket 
on  the  river  called  out  to  a  Union  picket  on  the  opposite  side, 
"Say,  Yank,  we  got  reinforcements  last  night."  "Is  that  so 
Johnny,"  replied  the  'Yank',  "who  is  it?"  "Schofield  with  a 
whole  corps  is  over  here — he  is  on  our  side  now, "  answered 
the  rebel  picket.  In  the  night  of  the  9fch,  Johnston  evacuated 
his  works,  crossed  the  river  with  his  infantry,  burned  the 
bridges  behind  him,  and  retreated  towards  Atlanta.  Sher 
man's  army  at  once  commenced  laying  pontoons  and  building 
bridges,  and  several  days  were  occupied  in  doing  this  work, 
and  in  constructing  strong  bridge-heads  to  guard  the  cross 
ings,  and  getting  the  troops  over. 

On  the  10th  Cox's  division  strengthened  its  position,  in  an- 
—15 


2-26  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ticipation  of  an  attack  by  Johnston's  infantry,  but  beyond 
slight  skirmishing  with  cavalry  the  enemy  made  no  demon 
stration  in  that  direction.  On  the  llth  the  division  was  reliev 
ed  and  placed  in  reserve  near  the  river,  and  heavy  details  were 
made  to  work  on  the  bridge.  On  the  12th  the  4th .Corps  cross 
ed  on  the  pontoons  at  the  mouth  of  Soap  Creek,  and  went  into 
position  south  of  the  river.  On  the  13th  a  substantial  bridge 
was  completed  at  this  crossing ;  and  on  the  14th  the  23d  and 
4th  corps  were  ready  for  an  advance.  Everything  was  packed 
in  readiness  to  move,  but  as  the  other  divisions  of  the  army 
were  not  yet  prepared,  a  general  advance  was  not  made  until 
the  17th.  In  the  evening  of  the  14th  a  heavy  thunder  shower, 
accompanied  by  a  gale  of  wind,  passed  over  the  camp,  blow 
ing  down  tents  and  trees,  and  creating  considerable  excite 
ment.  The  Adjutant  of  the  16th  Kentucky  was  killed,  and 
the  Major  and  several  men  severely  wounded,  by  a  tree  fall 
ing  upon  their  tent ;  and  one  man  was  mortally  and  several 
slightly  wounded  in  the  104th  Ohio. 

On  the  17th  of  July,  all  being  ready,  a  general  advance  was 
ordered.  Johnston's  army  was  intrenched  on  the  south  bank 
of  Peachtree  Creek,  and  he  had  planned  to  strike  Sherman's 
right  wing  with  his  whole  force,  while  the  column  was  in  mo 
tion  when  it  crossed  the  creek,  and  then,  falling  back  within 
the  defenses  of  Atlanta,  fall  upon  the  left  wing  and  crush  it 
before  Sherman's  forces  could  be  concentrated. 

Johnston's  position  was  about  six  miles  from  the  river,  and 
four  miles  from  Atlanta. 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th  Gen.  Thomas  moved  his  army 
from  Pace's  and  Phillips'  ferries  toward  Atlanta,  his  left  on 
the  Buckland  road.  Schofield,  with  his  corps,  in  the  center, 
moved  at  7  o'clock,  and  proceeded  by  way  of  Cross  Keys  to 
ward  Decatur ;  drove  the  enemy's  skirmishers  before  him,  and 
bivouacked  near  Cross  Keys  for  the  night. 

McPherson,  on  the  left,  was  to  cut  and  destroy  the  railroad 
between  Decatur  and  Stone  Mountain. 

On  the  same  day  Johnston  was  removed  from  the  command 
of  the  Confederate  army,  and  Lieut.  Gen.  J.  B.  Hood  placed 
in  command. 

At   the  same  time  Gen.  A.  P.  Stewart   was  assigned   to  the 


AT  PEACHTREE  CREEK.  227 

command  of  Folk's  old  corps,  and  B.  F.  Cheatham  took  Hood's 
corps,  Hardee  being  the  only  old  corps  commander  remaining. 

Hood  followed  the  general  outline  of  the  campaign  marked 
out  by  Johnston,  but  without  the  discretion  and  patient  skill 
and  watchfulness  of  the  latter.  Hood  was  brave  to  rashness, 
and  believed  in  an  aggressive  policy,  but,  as  subsequent  events 
will  show,  his  dash  and  eagerness  to  tight  cost  him  his  com 
mand  and  the  Confederacy  an  army. 

The  23d  Corps  moved  at  six  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
18th  ;  struck  the  main  Atlanta  road  at  Cross  Keys,  and  march 
ed  to  the  north  fork  of  Peachtree  Creek.  The  112th  Illinois 
was  thrown  forward  two  miles,  to  the  junction  of  the  Decatur 
and  Atlanta  roads,  and  held  the  position  until  6  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  when  it  was  relieved  by  the  2nd  Division. 

While  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was  endeavoring  to  ef 
fect  a  crossing  of  Peachtree  Creek,  on  the  19th,  the  23d  Corps 
advanced  on  the  Decatur  road  to  within  two  miles  of  the  town, 
crossed  the  south  fork  of  Peachtree  Creek,  and  secured  a  po 
sition  in  front  of  Cheatham's  line  of  intrenchments  on  Peavine 
Creek — the  loth  Corps  connecting  on  the  left.  Moved  at  six 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  20th,  the  whole  left  wing  swing 
ing  forward  and  threatening  to  turn  Hood's  right.  Cox's  di 
vision  struck  a  line  of  intrenchments  nearly  parallel  to,  but 
crossing,  the  road,  and  the  leading  brigade  engaged  in  sharp 
skirmishing.  The  other  brigades  formed  on  the  left,  and  Has- 
call's  division  advanced  and  connected  on  their  left. 

At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  Hood  fell  upon  two  divis 
ions  of  G-en.  Thomas'  army,  as  they  were  crossing  Peachtree 
Creek,  with  great  force  ;  and  until  darkness  put  an  end  to  the 
coiiilict,  the  battle  raged  with  deadly  fierceness.  Hood  was 
repulsed  with  great  slaughter.  This  is  known  as  the  battle  of 
Peachtree  Creek,  but  as  the  112th  Illinois  was  not  engaged  in 
it,  a  detailed  account  of  the  battle  will  not  be  expected  in  a 
history  of  the  regiment. 

On  tha  21st  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  intrenched  its  po 
sition  on  the  south  side  of  Peachtree  Creek;  the  Army  of  the 
Ohio  advanced  and  intrenched  its  skirmish  lines,  and  the  Ar 
my  of  the  Tennessee,  on  the  extreme  left,  continued  its  oper 
ations  against  the  enemy's  right  flank. 


228  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

One  man  of  the  112th  Illinois,  Corporal  James  E.  Finley  of 
Co.  F,  was  severely  wounded  in  advancing  the  skirmish  lines. 

In  the  night  of  July  21st  Hood  abandoned  his  line  of  intrench- 
ments  in  front  of  the  23d  Corps  and  on  Peachtree  Creek  in 
front  of  Thomas,  and  withdrew  his  army,  except  Hardee's 
corps,  into  new  lines  nearer  the  city.  A  general  advance  of 
Thomas'  and  Schofield's  lines  commenced  early  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  22nd.  Moved  forward  about  two  miles  and  gained 
a  position  within  two  miles  of  Atlanta,  and  from  the  hills 
could  look  into  the  heart  of  the  city ;  and  the  fortifications  on 
the  opposite  hills,  with  thousands  of  men  at  work  upon  them, 
were  in  full  view  of  the  Union  troops. 

In  the  meantime  Hardee,  with  his  four  divisions,  had  made 
a  long  detour  to  the  north  east,  in  the  night  of  the  21st,  to 
make  an  attack  upon  the  flank  and  rear  of  the  Army 
of  the  Tennessee ;  and  it  was  part  of  Hood's  plan,  if 
Hardee  should  be  successful,  to  move  upon  the  23d  Corps  with 
Cheatham's  corps,  and  crush  the  whole  left  wing  of  Sherman's 
army  before  Thomas,  on  the  extreme  right,  could  render  as 
sistance.  How  well  Hardee  performed  his  part ;  how  gallant 
ly  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  met  his  attack  from  front  and 
rear  ;  with  what  bravery  and  heroism  McPherson's  men  repell 
ed  the  savage  assaults  of  the  Confederates ;  how  the  brave 
McPherson  fell ;  the  noble  conduct  of  Logan,  on  the  field,  and 
subsequently  when  the  dispute  arose  as  to  the  command  of 
that  army ;  all  this  is  recorded  in  history  and  need  not  be 
repeated  here. 

A  brigade  of  infantry  in  Decatur  was  attacked  by  Wheeler's 
cavalry,  simultaneously  with  the  assault  upon  McPherson, 
and  Pieilly's  brigade  of  Cox's  division  was  sent  to  cover  the 
army  trains  behind  Peavine  Creek  ;  and  the  brigade  moved  on 
a  double-quick  about  two  miles  to  gain  the  desired  position. 
Army  trains  were  met  Hying  down  the  road  in  the  greatest  dis 
order,  teamsters  lashing  the  mules  and  hurrying  them  forward 
at  the  top  of  their  speed,  and  confusion  and  turmoil  reigning 
supreme.  The  stampede  was  soon  checked,  however,  and  the 
trains  ordered  back  to  their  former  position. 

The  brigade  in  Decatur  was  reported  as  being  hard- pressed, 
and  ReiHy's  brigade  was  sent  to  its  assistance.  Wheeler  was 


AT  EZRA  CHURCH.  229 

driven  off,  and  the  extreme  flank  in  that  direction  made  secure. 

Part  of  Cheatham's  corps  and  a  division  of  Georgia  troops 
also  made  an  attack  upon  the  2nd  Division  and  Byrd's  brigade 
of  the  3d  Division,  of  the  23d  Corps,  but  were  easily  repulsed. 

The  Army  of  the  Tennessee  having  effectually  destroyed  the 
Atlanta  and  Augusta  railroad,  the  Macon  road  was  the  only 
line  by  which  the  Confederate  army  could  be  supplied,  and 
Gen.  Sherman  determined  to  move  his  army  by  the  right  flank 
and  cut  this  line  of  communication. 

By  the  25th  the  railroad  bridge  over  the  Chattahoochee  had 
been  rebuilt  and  trains  were  running  right  up  to  Thomas'  lines. 
On  the  26th  the  movement  to  the  right  commenced.  The  Ar 
my  of  the  Tennessee  withdrew  from  the  extreme  left  and  mov 
ed  by  successive  corps  to  the  extreme  right,  Schofield  stretch 
ing  his  lines  to  the  left  to  cover  the  Augusta  road,  and  draw 
ing  back  Eeilly's  brigade  of  the  3d  Division  into  the  intrench- 
ments  formerly  occupied  by  the  enemy,  to  protect  his  flank. 

The  movement  was  successfully  accomplished  ;  but  as  How 
ard,  now  commanding  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  was  going 
into  position  near  Ezra  Church  on  the  28th,  Hood  again  at 
tempted  to  crush  the  column  by  striking  it  while  in  motion, 
but  was  severely  punished  and  glad  to  withdraw  within  his 
fortifications.  While  these  movements  were  being  made 
Thomas  and  Schofield  kept  the  enemy  occupied  in  the  center 
and  on  the  left,  and  heavy  skirmishing  and  cannonading  con 
tinued  along  their  lines  during  the  whole  movement. 

Col.  Henderson  having  recovered  from  the  wound  received 
at  Besaca,  returned  from  home  and  rejoined  the  regiment  on 
the  28th,  but  still  suffering  with  ill  health  and  hardly  able  to 
resume  command. 

On  the  29th  Beilly's  brigade  moved  out  in  a  south  west  di 
rection  on  a  reconnoissance,  going  around  the  rebel  right  and 
pushing  well  up  to  the  defenses  of  Atlanta.  The  brigade  drove 
the  enemy's  cavalry  with  ease  and  marched  rapidly.  Burned 
two  mills  and  returned  to  its  position  in  the  line  at  dark— just 
in  time  to  escape  serious  consequences,  as  the  enemy  had  sent 
out  heavy  detachments  of  troops  to  cut  off  and  capture  the 
brigade. 

Heavy  skirmishing  and  considerable  cannonading  continued 


230  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

on  our  right,  on  the  80th  and  31st,  but  all  was  quiet  in  front 
of  the  23d  Corps. 

On  the  31st  Col.  Eeilly  of  the  104th  Ohio,  commanding  the 
brigade,  received  his  commission  as  Brigadier  General,  and 
was  heartily  congratulated  by  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
brigade  on  his  deserved  and  well  earned  promotion. 

On  the  first  day  of  August  the  movement  of  the  army  to  the 
right  was  continued.  The  23d  Corps  was  relieved  by  cavalry 
and  a  division  of  the  4th  Corps,  and  at  9  o'clock  in  the  evening 
moved  towards  the  right,  in  rear  of  the  Armies  of  the  Camber- 
hind  and  the  Tennessee.  The  night  was  very  dark  and  the 
country  densely  wrooded,  and  the  column  made  slow  progress. 
At  twelve  o'clock  the  command  was  halted  and  ordered  to  biv 
ouac  till  daylight,  and  torches  were  lighted  to  see  to  stack  arms. 

Lieut. Col.  Bond,  who  was  in  command  of  the  regiment,  had 
obtained  a  new  "outfit"  since  the  loss  of  the  regimental  wagon 
at  Cassville,  and  he  received  information  that  afternoon  that 
his  valise  and  its  contents  had  been  stolen  from  the  wagon. 
All  he  had  left  was  a  fatigue  suit,  which  he  was  wearing,  and 
a  change  of  underclothing  in  his  saddle  bags.  As  he  lay  down 
to  rest,  he  placed  the  saddle-bags  under  his  head  for  a  pillow, 
against  some  small  trees,  and  remarked  to  his  adjutant  that 
he  "guessed  he  had  them  fixed  so  no — thief  could  get  them." 
When  he  awoke  in  the  morning,  behold,  the  saddle-bags  were 
gone.  No  pen  can  describe  the  Lieut,  Colonel's  feelings. 
Could  the  thief  have  heard  him,  he  certainly  would  have  real 
ized  the  baseness  of  his  sin  ;  and  could  the  Lieut.  Colonel  have 
got  hold  of  him,  there  surely  would  have  been  a  case  for  the 
surgeon. 

At  6  o'clock  the  following  morning  the  column  was  again  in 
motion,  Gen.  Eeilly's  brigade  in  advance,  and  moving  south, 
occupied  and  intrenched  a  position  on  the  north  fork  of  Utoy 
Creek,  Cox's  division  on  the  right.  A  heavy  shower  in  the 
night  wet  the  men  to  the  skin,  as  they  had  no  tents.  Eeveille 
at  3  :30  -on  the  morning  of  the  third,  and  by  daylight  the  com 
mand  wras  ready  for  action. 

Hascall's  division  crossed  the  creek  and  occupied  a  ridge  on 
the  south,  followed  by  Baird's  division  of  the  14th  Corps, 
which  had  been  ordered  to  report  to  Schoiield,  and  the  follow- 


READY  TO  MOVE  IN  THE  MORNING.  281 

ing  morning  Cox's  division  crossed  and  formed  in  rear  of 
Baird  to  support  his  advance.  Johnson's  and  Morgan's  divis 
ions  of  the  14th  Corps  crossed  on  the  5th,  and  a  general  ad 
vance  was  ordered,  but  on  account  of  Palmer  (commanding  the 
14th  Corps)  refusing  to  obey  the  orders  of  Sehoiield,  the  ad 
vance  was  delayed. 

Reveille  at  3  loOin  Cox's  division  on  the  morning  of  the  4th, 
and  ordered  to  stand  at  arms,  until  4  o'clock,  when  the  men 
stacked  arms  and  rested  in  position.  At  4  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon  reconnoitered  the  enemy's  works,  but  found  them  too 
strong  to  assault,  "and  returned  to  position. 

Reveille  at  8  :80  on  the  5th,  and  again  ordered  to  stand  to 
arms  to  support  an  advance  of  Baird's  division.  A  brigade 
was  engaged  in  heavy  skirmishing  but  there  was  no  general 
action.  Johnson's  division  was  then  ordered  to  advance,  and 
Cox's  division  moved  to  the  right,  in  column  by  regiments,  in 
support,  but  no  serious  action  occurred.  All  this  maneuver 
ing  and  delay  was  caused  by  Palmer's  disaffection  at  being  or 
dered  to  report  to  Schofield  ;  and  Palmer's  division  and  brigade 
commanders,  as  might  be  expected,  sided  with  him.  The  dif 
ficulty  resulted  in  Palmer  being  removed  from  his  command. 

On  the  6th  Cox's  division  relieved  Baird's,  and  the  latter  re 
lieved  Hascall's.  In  the  meantime  the  rebels  had  extended 
their  flank  and  strengthened  it  with  heavy  works  protected  by 
abattis  and  chevaux-de-frise. 

The  distance  across  the  forks  of  the  Utoy  was  about  two 
miles.  Eeilly  was  ordered  to  make  a  reconnoissance  in  force 
with  his  brigade.  At  11  o'clock  the  brigade  moved,  and  form 
ed  in  line  of  battle,  the  100th  Ohio  on  the  left,  112th  Illinois  in 
the  center,  104th  Ohio  on  the  right,  the  16th  Kentucky  off  to 
the  right  to  protect  the  flank,  and  the  8th  Tennessee  in  re 
serve.  The  brigade  was  supported  by  Cameron's  old  brigade, 
now  commanded  by  Casement.  A  strong  skirmish  line  was 
advanced  across  the  field  to  the  timber,  and  the  order  was  giv 
en  to  charge.  The  skirmish  line  advanced,  and  the  brigade 
moved  rapidly  across  the  creek,  up  the  slope  beyond  and  into 
the  woods.  The  skirmishers  reported  that  the  works  were 
protected  by  abattis,  and  could  not  be  carried,  but  the  line 
was  pushed  forward,  amidst  a  shower  of  bullets,  until  it  found 


232  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

itself  entangled  among  the  felled  trees  and  undergrowth  half- 
cut  off  and  bent  downward  and  interlaced,  but  it  pushed  for 
ward  until  it  found  itself  within  a  few  yards  of  the  enemy's 
works,  when  it  was  compelled  to  halt.  The  reconnoissance 
developed  a  solid  line  of  breast-works  as  far  as  could  be  seon 
to  the  right  and  left,  well-filled  with  Confederate  infantry. 
The  8th  Tennessee  was  brought  forward  to  reinforce  the  line, 
but  ten  times  that  number  could  not  have  carried  the  works. 
Casement's  brigade  was  advanced  across  the  valley,  and  un 
der  its  cover  the  brigade  was  withdrawn,  a  well-supported  skir 
mish  line  being  intrenched  close  up  to  the  abattis,  anct  hold 
ing  the  position. 

The  loss  of  the  b;iga:le  was  three  hundred  and  thirty-three, 
in  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  All  the  killed  and  many  of 
the  wounded  were  left  on  the  field.  The  casualties  of  the  112th 
Illinois  were  as  follows  : 

Killed  : — Co.  F,  Serg.  John  H.  Lane,  Serg.  Andrew  G.  Pike, 
Corp.  liobert  M.  Dewey,  and  George  W.  lihodes ;  James  Es 
sex  mortally  wounded,  died  next  morning. 

Co.  D — Peter  Lohnns,  (mortally  wounded,  died  same  day.) 

Co.  C— William  L.  Jordan. 

Co.  E— - Serg.  Charles  B.  Hitchcock. 

Co.  K — William  M.  McHenry,  Peter  Shoe  and  Amos  Tim- 
merman. 

Co.  G — James  B.  Henrietta,  Edward  McKeon  (mortally 
wounded,  died  Aug.  8). 

Wounded — Lieut.  Col.  E.  S.  Bond. 

Co.  A — First  Serg.  Thomas  J.  Williams  (slightly),  Corporal 
James  Slick,  James  II.  Batten  (severely),  Stafford  Godfrey, 
Henry  H.  Leonard  (slightly),  John  Willett  (slightly). 

Co.  F — Isaac  Messinger  (died  of  wounds  Sspt.  2),  William 
A.  Stowe  (severely),  William  Hirnes  and  Georgs  W.  Johnson, 
both  slightly. 

Co.  D — Lieut.  James  H.  Clark,  First  Serg.  Andrew  B.  Laf- 
ferty,  slightly,  Andrew  M.  Gustafson,  George  Knapp  and  Isaac 
P.  Wing,  both  slightly. 

Co.  I — Corp.  Wilber  F.  Broughton  (severely),  Corp.  Alanson 
D.  Thomas  (slightly),  Charles  T.  Goss  (slightly),  Orie  Cole 
(slightly),  James  A.  Little,  Henry  L.  Powell,  George  B.  Earn- 


LIST  OF  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED.  233 

sey   (severely),   William  H.   Eankin  and   Jacob  Zimmerman 
(both  slightly). 

Co.  C — William  Anderson,  John  W.  Cox  (slightly),  George 
M.  Clark  and  James  F.  Duncan. 

Co.  H — Capt.  George  W.  Sroufe  (severely),  Serg.  John  H. 
Matthews  (severely),  Serg.  John  L.  Jennings  (slightly),  John 
D.  Bennett  (slightly),  and  Enoch  Boss  (died  of  wounds  Aug.  '24). 

Co.  E — First  Serg.  Henry  Graves  (slightly),  Corp.  Sidney 
D.  Butler  (slightly),  William  Holgate  and  Josaph  Sparks  (bath 
severely),  and  Jonas  Stronburg  (slightly.) 

Co.  K — Capt.  E.  H.  Colcord  (severely),  First  Serg.  Edward 
S.  Persons  (severely),  Serg.  Jacob  G.  Rowland  (died  of  wounds 
Aug.  29),  Eobert  Burrows,  James  Kenney  (slightly),  William 
Miller,  Albert  B.  McNickle  (severely),  Conrad  E.  Smith  (slight 
ly),  and  Michael  Sweeney. 

Co.  G— William  H.  Cotteral  and  Ezra  Litten  (both  slight 
ly),  and  John  A.  Larson  (severely). 

Co,  B — Capt.  John  Gudgel  (severely,  never  returned  to  du 
ty),  Serg.  Eli  C.  Jones  (died  of  wounds  Aug.  19),  Corp.  John 
K.Jones  (slightly),  Charles  H.  Barber  (died  of  wounds  Sept. 
15),  Melvin  Gage  (slightly),  Cyrus  Sturm  (died  of  wounds  Feb. 
10,  1865),  Charles  E.  Thompson  and  John  Wallace,  both 
slightly. 

Captured — Corporal  James  M.  Bice,  of  Co.  A. 

Total  killed  and  died  on  the  field,  thirteen. 

Total  wounded  fifty-nine,  of  whom  six  died  of  their  wounds . 

Captured,  one — making  the  total  casualties  in  the  regiment 
seventy-three. 

Two  of  the  Co.  I  men,  above  named,  were  wounded  by  a 
shell  while  the  regiment  was  moving  into  position  to  make  the 
charge ;  and  the  others  were  killed  and  wounded  in  making 
the  charge — many  of  them  on  the  skirmish  line. 

A  striking  feature  in  the  list  of  casualties  is  the  number  of 
sergeants  killed  and  wounded— two  having  been  killed,  two 
wounded  unto  death,  and  three  severely,  and  three  slightly 
wounded.  Many  of  the  slightly  wounded  did  not  go  off  duty ; 
but  many  of  the  severely  wounded  were  disabled  for  service  and 
never  returned  to  the  regiment — some  were  discharged,  others 
transferred  to  the  Veteran  Eeserve  Corps,  and  some  lingered 


234  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

through  years  of  pain  and  suffering,  and  finally  died  of  their 
wounds. 

It  was  a  severe  encounter  and  a  tight  place.  At  one  time  as 
the  hrigade  lay  in  line  close  up  to  the  enemy's  works,  every 
man  seeking  shelter  from  the  murderous  fire  from  the  intrench- 
ments,  a  body  of  rebel  troops  moved  over  the  works  and  un 
dertook  to  ma^ke  a  counter-charge  and  capture  the  whole  line, 
but  they  were  repulsed  and  scrambled  back  over  their  works. 

In  the  meantime  Hascall,  with  two  brigades  of  his  division, 
had  moved  over  to  the  right,  crossed  the  main  stream  of  Utoy 
Creek,  and  after  a  sharp  encounter  with  the  enemy's  cavalry 
on  the  flank,  gained  a  position  enfilading  the  line  of  works ; 
and  that  night  the  rebel  troops  were  withdrawn  and  retired  to 
a  strong  line  of  fortifications  extending  from  the  hills  near  the 
north  fork  of  Utoy  Creek,  southward  across  the  Sandtown  road, 
to  the  railroad  a  mile  beyond  East  Point. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7th  a  burial  party  was  detailed  to  re 
cover  and  bury  the  dead  left  on  the  field.  A  few  wounded  men 
were  also  recovered.  Many  of  the  dead  were  stripped  of  their 
clothing,  having  been  robbed  by  rebel  vandals. 

A  deep,  wide  ditch  was  dug,  and  the  men  laid  into  it,  side  by 
side,  wrapped  in  their  army  blankets.  They  were  then  cover 
ed  with  pine  boughs,  and  upon  these  were  shovelled  the  South 
ern  soil.  The  command  was  ordered  to  move  at  once,  and  the 
Chaplain  of  the  16th  Kentucky — as  brave,  noble-hearted  and 
generous  a  man,  and  as  true  and  upright  a  Christian,  as  ever 
lived — requested  that  the  Chaplain  of  the  112th  Illinois  be 
directed  to  remain  with  the  burial  party,  and  offer  a  prayer 
over  the  common  grave  of  his  dead  comrades,  and  assist  in 
giving  them  a  decent  and  half-way  Christian  burial. 

By  direction  of  Lieut.  Col.  Bond,  commanding  the  112th,  the 
A-djutant  of  the  regiment  informed  Chaplain  Henderson  of  the 
request  of  the  Kentucky  chaplain,  and  supplemented  it  with 
an  order  from  Lt.  Col.  Bond  to  remain  with  the  burial  party 
and  assist  in  performing  the  last  sad  rites  over  the  remains  of 
our  fallen  comrades.  The  Chaplain  refused  to  remain,  giving 
as  the  reason  for  his  inhuman  conduct,  that  his  horse  had  had 
nothing  to  eat  since  that  morning,  and  he  must  look  up  some 
forage. 


MORE  ABOUT  OUR  CHAPLAIN.  235 

His  conduct  in  East  Tennessee,  when  he  refused  to  carry 
wounded  soldiers  had  not  been  forgotten,  and  after  the  fall  of 
Atlanta,  when  the  regiment  was  in  camp  at  Decatur,  a  paper 
was  presented  to  him,  signed  by  every  officer  present  in  the 
regiment,  from  Col.  Henderson  down,  requesting  him  to  »esign, 
and  threatening  him  with  court  martial  if  he  refused  ;  and  he 
resigned  and  left  the  service  in  disgrace.  After  that  the  reg 
iment  dispensed  with  the  services  of  a  chaplain ;  but  it  con 
tained  many  men  who  were  zealous  Christians,  and  religious 
meetings  were  held  whenever  opportunity  would  permit,  in 
fact,  more  frequently  than  when  they  depended  upon  a  selfish 
and  half-  hearted  chaplain  to  lead  them.  Among  the  leaders 
in  religious  exercises  was  Capt.  G.  W.  Sroufe,  who  did  much 
to  encourage  the  boys  in  leading  honest  and  correct  lives, 
among  many  temptations,  and  whose  earnestness  and  sincer 
ity  were  honored  and  respected  even  by  those  who  differed  from 
him  in  opinion. 

After  the  war  the  government  removed  the  remains  of  these 
men  to  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  where  they  were 
interred  and  their  graves  numbered,  and  a  record  made  of  the 
name  and  number  of  all  who  could  be  identified. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

THE    ATLANTA    CAMPAIGN,  CONTINUED. 
A    NEW    BRIGADE — COL.  HENDERSON    IN    COMMAND. 

THE    112TH   ILLINOIS   THE    FIRST   TO    REACH   THE    MACON    RAILWAY. 
JONESBORO — ATLANTA    "FAIRLY   WON" — IN   CAMP   AT   DECATUR. 

Gen.  Cox's  division  moved  to  the  right  on  the  7th  of  August, 
and  occupied  the  hills  in  rear  of  Willis'  Pond,  its  right  resting 
on  the  south  fork  of  Utoy  Creek,  and  intrenched,  the  2d  Divi 
sion  in  reserve,  and  the  14th  Corps  connecting  on  the  left. 

John  W.  Whitten,  of  Co.  F,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  was  mor 
tally  wounded  while  at  work  on  the  intrenchments,  and  died 
in  held  hospital  on  the  9th  of  August.  He  and  Samuel  M. 
Adams,  of  the  same  company,  were  carrying  a  heavy  rail,  one 
at  each  end.  Adams  was  ahead  and  had  safely  passed  a  narrow 
opening  in  the  timber,  covered  by  rebel  sharpshooters.  When 
Whitten  reached  the  opening,  a  moment  later,  he  was  shot. 
This  illustrates  the  constant  danger  in  which  the  men  lived — 
at  no  moment  safe  from  the  enemy's  bullets. 

On  the  8th  Hascall's  division  crossed  Utoy  Creek  and  in 
trenched  on  the  south  side,  and  the  next  day  the  remainder  of 
the  division  completed  its  works,  under  an  irritating  fire  from 
the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  only  two  hundred  yards  distant. 

On  the  9th  Reilly's  brigade  was  again  moved  to  the  right, 
and  occupied  a  position  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  line,  and 
at  once  commenced  the  construction  of  breast-works. 

The  enemy's  sharpshooters  still  kept  up  a  galling  fire,  and 
Lieut.  William  L.  Spaulding,  of  Co.  G-,  112th  Illinois,  was 
mortally  wounded,  and  Alva  W.  Sturtevant,  of  Co.  B,  severely 
wounded,  while  building  breast-works.  Lieut.  Spaulding's 
father,  Dr.  John  W.  Spaulding,  formerly  Surgeon  of  the  regi- 


A  NEW  BBIGADE-COL.  HENDERSON.  237 

ment,  visited  him  in  hospital  and  obtained  permission  to  take 
him  home ;  but  the  lieutenant  was  destined  never  to  see  the 
loved  ones  at  home  who  were  anxiously  awaiting  his  return. 
He  died  on  the  way,  at  Jeffersonville,  Indiana,  on  the  25th  of 
August,  and  from  that  point  the  aged  and  sorrowful  father 
conveyed  all  that  was  left  of  his  son — his  inanimate  form — to 
their  home  in  Galesburg.  Lieut.  Spauldingwas  a  young,  ac 
tive,  brave  and  energetic  officer — always  ready  and  willing  to 
perform  his  duty,  never  shrinking  from  the  post  of  danger,  and 
his  death  was  a  sad  lossYto  the  regiment.  He  was  at  work 
with  his  men,  with  a  spade  in  his  hands,  at  the  time  he  was 
struck  by  the  fatal  shot.  Albert  Walton,  of  Co.  I),  then  acting 
as  Sergeant  Major,  was  making  a  detail  for  the  skirmish  line, 
and,  as  he  approached  the  lieutenant,  the  latter  rested  on  his 
spade,  while  Walton  informed  him  of  the  number  of  men  re 
quired  from  his  company ;  and  while  Walton  was  talking  to 
him  he  was^shot. 

As  the  company  had  been  reduced  below  the  required  min- 
imum'number,  no  promotions  were  made  to  fill  the  vacancy 
occasioned  by  his  death. 

The  112th  Illinois,  with  the  division,  remained  in  position, 
engaged  in  constant  skirmishing,  until  the  12th  of  August.  On 
the  10th  Thomas  J.  Eeynolds  of  Co.  I,  was  wounded. 

In  the  meantime  Gen.  Sherman  had  brought  down  from 
Chattanooga  some  four-and-a-half-inch  rined  guns,  and  they 
were  put  to  work  night  and  day  upon  the  city,  causing  frequent 
tires  and  creating  great  confusion  among  soldiers  and  citizens. 

On  the  12th  Cox's  division  was  relieved  by  a  division  of  the 
4th  Corps,  and  made  a  reconnoissance  in  force  to  the  junction 
of  the  Campbelltown  and  East  Point  roads,  and  half  a  mile 
east  on  the  East  Point  road.  Drove  in  the  enemy's  pickets  and 
developed  his  lines  extending  below  East  Point.  The  enemy's 
lines  were  about  fifteen  miles  in  length,  extending  from  near 
Decatur  to  below  East  Point,  and  Sherman's  lines  at  that  time 
were  about  twenty  miles  long. 

The  3d  Division  returned  and  took  a  new  position  on  Has- 
call's  right.  The  only  casualty  in  the  112th  Illinois  was  Corp 
oral  James  D.  Blood,  of  Co.  G,  wounded. 

While  Col.  Henderson  had  been  at  home  it  had  been  arrang- 


238  HISTOBY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ed  to  give  him  a  brigade  to  command,  on  his  return,  and  on 
the  12th  the  1st  Brigade  stacked  arms  in  front  of  Gen.  Eeilly's 
headquarters,  and  the  112th  Illinois  took  formal  leave  of  it  3 
old  brigade  commander  and  comrades  in  arms.  The  campaign 
had  engendered  a  feeling  of  mutual  friendship  and  respect  for 
each  other  among  the  regiments,  and  between  Gen.  Reilly  and 
his  command,  and  the  leave-taking  was  like  the  parting  of 
old  friends. 

The  new  brigade  consisted  of  the  112th  Illinois,  the  63d, 
120th  and  128th  Indiana  and  the  5th  Tennessee  regiments.  It 
was  numbered  the  3d  Brigade  of  the  3d  Division  of  the  23d  Ar 
my  Corps,  and  the  112th  Illinois  remained  in  the  brigade  un 
til  the  close  of  the  war.  The  5th  Tennessee  was  then  at  home 
on  veteran  furlough. 

Col.  Henderson  was  yet  too  ill  for  active  service,  and  Col.  I. 
N.  Stiles,  of  the  63d  Indiana,  was  placed  in  temporary  com 
mand  of  the  brigade.  Col.  Henderson  took  command  a  few 
days  later,  and,  with  few  temporary  exceptions,  commanded 
the  brigade  until  the  close  of  the  war. 

Lieut.  Col.  Bond's  wound  received  at  Utoy  Creek,  which  at 
the  time  had  been  deemed  slight,  rapidly  assumed  a  threaten 
ing  character,  and  compelled  him  to  relinquish  the  command 
of  the  regiment  and  retire  from  duty  until  the  wound  healed  ; 
and  Major  Dow  took  command  of  the  regiment,  assisted  by 
Capt.  Dunn,  acting  as  Field  Officer,  Co.  D  in  the  meantime 
being  in  command  of  Lieut.  James  H.  Clark. 

By  the  casualties  of  war,  and  sickness  induced  by  exposure 
and  constant  and  unremitting  toil,  the  regiment  had  become 
greatly  reduced  in  numbers.  But  eight  line  officers  were  re 
ported  "present  for  duty."  Some  were  on  detached  service, 
but  a  majority  of  the  absentees  were  either  wounded  or  sick. 

Several  companies  were  commanded  by  sergeants,  and  they 
did  quite  as  well  as  commissioned  officers ;  in  fact,  every  pri 
vate  knew  what  was  required  of  him,  and  performed  his  work 
as  well  without  as  with  orders ;  and  except  to  keep  the  com 
pany  accounts  and  make  the  details,  there  was  not  much  for 
company  commanders,  as  such,  to  do. 

The  3d  Division  remained  in  position  until  the  15th,  when  it 
moved  to  the  crossing  of  the  Campbelltown  and  East  Point 


AT  LIBERTY  CHURCH.  239 

roads,  its  flank  covering  both  roads,  and  intrenched,  and  re 
mained  there,  daily  strengthening  its  works,  until  the  18th. 
On  the  16th  orders  were  received  placing  the  men  on  three- 
fifths  rations,  which  occasioned  some  surprise,  and  fears  were 
entertained  that  our  line  of  communications  had  been  cut,  but 
subsequent  events  explained  the  reason  of  the  order. 

The  18th  was  an  extremely  hot  day.  The  command  was 
ready  to  move  at  8  o'clock,  but  did  not  move  until  noon. 
Cox's  division  then  advanced,  under  a  heavy  skirmish  fire,  to 
a  position  nearly  a  mile  east,  and  intrenched  in  a  semi-circu 
lar  position,  the  left  of  the  division  covering  the  Ufcoy  Creek 
valley,  and  the  right  Camp  Creek  valley.  Gen.  Kilpatrick 
with  a  division  of  cavalry  passed  through  the  lines  to  make  a 
raid  south  of  Atlanta,  to  cut  the  Macon  railroad ;  and  on  the 
morning  of  the  19th  the  division  moved  out  in  light  marching 
order,  Col.  Henderson's  brigade  in  advance,  to  reconnoiter  the 
position  of  the  rebels,  and  support  Kilpatrick  in  "rounding" 
the  enemy's  flank.  The  division  moved  out  three  miles  to 
Camp  Creek  Church,  drove  in  the  enemy's  skirmishers,  and 
returned  at  sunset.  The  3d  Brigade  proceeded  as  far  as  the 
Newman  road,  and  returned  to  its  original  position  in  the  ev 
ening.  This  was  repeated  on  the  20th,  the  112th  Illinois  sup 
porting  the  skirmish  line,  and  again  on  the  21st  going  down 
the  road  to  Liberty  Church,  and  close  up  to  the  enemy's  forts 
in  front  of  East  Point. 

Kilpatrick  returned  on  the  21st,  having  been  entirely  around 
Atlanta  and  cut  the  railroad,  but  the  damage  was  soon  repaired. 

Cox's  division  was  now  on  the  extreme  point  reached  in  the 
advance  of  Sherman's  lines,  and  when  he  made  the  move 
ment  to  the  south  of  Atlanta,  a  few  days  later,  this  position 
became  the  pivot  on  which  the  whole  army  turned.  On  the 
24th  the  army  received  orders  to  be  ready  to  move  on  the  26th, 
with  twenty  days  rations,  and  to  send  all  baggage  to  the  north 
side  of  the  Chattahoochee  River. 

On  the  25th,  the  112th  Illinois,  in  command  of  Capt.  Dunn, 
(Major  Dow  being  ill)  moved  out  about  a  mile  from  camp  on 
a  reconnoissance,  and  drove  the  enemy's  skirmishers  through 
the  woods,  and  obtained  a  position  so  near  their  lines  that  we 
could  hear  their  conversation. 


240  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

The  author  has  a  vivid  recollection  of  climbing  a  tree  and 
watching  a  column  of  rebel  infantry  which  had  stacked  arms, 
the  men  lying  on  the  ground  resting,  while  their  band  played 
"Dixie." 

Sherman  had  determined  to  raise  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  cut 
loose  from  the  city,  and,  swinging  south,  cut  the  enemy's  lines 
and  compel  him  to  abandon  his  strong-hold.  The  20th  Corps 
had  been  sent  back  to  the  Chattahoochee  to  intrench  and  hold 
the  bridge,  and  on  the  25th  of  August  the  movement  com 
menced.  The  4th  Corps,  on  the  extreme  left,  was  the  first  to 
move,  and  by  successive  corps  and  divisions  the  Army  of  the 
Cumberland  and  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  moved  in  rear  of 
the  23d  Corps  to  the  right,  and  the  latter  corps,  which  had 
been  the  extreme  right,  became  the  extreme  left  of  the  line. 
Hood  discovered  the  movement  and  jumped  to  the  conclusion 
that  Sherman  was  retreating  across  the  Chattahoochee,  but 
his  illusion  was  rudely  dispelled  a  few  days  later. 

While  these  movements  were  being  made  it  required  the  ut 
most  vigilance  on  the  part  of  Schofield's  troops  to  guard  against 
a  sudden  attack  upon  their  lines,  and  at  the  same  time  keep 
the  enemy  occupied  in  front. 

Frequent  demonstrations  were  made  by  both  sides,  and  for 
several  days  the  men  were  kept  almost  constantly  standing 
at  arms. 

On  the  28th,  the  23d  Corps  moved  to  a  position  a  mile  north 
east  of  Mt.  Gilead  Church  and  intrenched,  and  the  next  day 
moved  three  miles  south  and  then  to  the  west  and  south-west 
and  connected  with  the  left  flank  of  the  4th  Corps,  and  in 
trenched  the  position.  Moved  at  7  : 30  on  the  30th,  and  struck 
the  Atlanta  and  West  Point  road,  and  took  position  and  built 
works  near  Ballard's.  The  23d  Corps  was  now  isolated  from 
the  remainder  of  the  army— which  was  between  the  two  rail 
roads — and  it  was  expected  that  Hood  would  attack  the  corps 
and  endeavor  to  crush  it ;  but  beyond  slight  skirmishing  no 
serious  demonstration  was  made  in  that  direction. 

The  Army  of  the  Tennessee  had  effectually  destroyed  several 
miles  of  the  WTest  Point  railroad  on  the  28th,  and  the  Macon 
railway  was  now  Sherman's  objective  point. 

On  the  31st  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  was  in  front  of  Jones- 


AT  ROUGH  AND  READY  STATION.  241 

boro.  Thomas  was  advancing  the  center,  and  Schofield  was 
moving  forward  on  the  left  to  strike  the  Macon  railway  near 
Bough  and  Beady  Station.  Hood  had  sent  two  corps  under 
Hardee  to  Jonesboro,  leaving  Stewart's  corps  and  the  Georgia 
troops  in  Atlanta.  Hardee  moved  out  of  his  works  and  attack 
ed  Howard,  about  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  made  a 
stubborn  fight,  but  was  driven  back  into  his  works  with  con 
siderable  loss. 

From  our  position  on  the  left  we  could  distinctly  hear  the 
roar  of  artillery  at  Jonesboro  ;  but  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee 
had  boasted  that  it  had  never  been  whipped,  and  all  felt  the 
greatest  confidence  in  its  ability  to  defeat  the  rebel  army  upon 
this  occasion. 

About  the  same  time  that  Hardee  moved  out  to  attack  How 
ard,  Schofield's  leading  division  (Cox's)  struck  the  railroad 
above. 

The  division  moved  at  6  o'clock  in  the  morning,  Henderson's 
brigade  in  advance,  the  112th  Illinois  in  front,  and  marched 
out  through  the  lines  of  the  4th  Corps  to  the  right,  driving  the 
enemy's  skirmishers,  and  took  a  position  facing  the  railroad. 

The  4th  Corps  then  moved  to  the  right  of  Schofield's  corps, 
arid  advanced  on  another  road  leading  to  the  railway,  a  mile 
south.  Hascall's  division  of  the  23d  Corps  followed  Cox's. 

When  all  was  ready  the  column  moved  forward.  Gen.  Cox 
was  anxious  to  be  the  first  to  strike  the  railroad,  and  directed 
Major  DOWT  to  report  directly  to  him  with  the  112th  Illinois. 
The  Major  moved  the  regiment  forward,  where  the  right  wing 
was  deployed  as  skirmishers,  the  left  wing  in  support,  and 
away  they  went  through  the  woods  and  brush,  on  a  double- 
quick,  Gen.  Cox  with  them,  and  struck  the  railroad  at  three 
o'clock. 

An  intrenched  line,  occupied  by  dismounted  cavalry,  covered 
the  roncl,  but  this  was  carried  without  difficulty  and  a  number 
of  prisoners  taken.  By  this  time  the  division  was  on  the 
road,  and  the  work  of  destruction  commenced  at  once. 

A  railway  train  came  steaming  down  the  road  from  Atlanta, 
and  came  within  sight  of  the  left  of  the  line,  but  stopped  and 
ran  back  before  it  could  be  reached. 


242  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

The  rails  were  torn  from- the  ties  and  the  latter  burned,  and 
the  rails  heated  and  bent  and  twisted  into  all  manner  of  shapes, 
and  many  of  them  bent,  like  a  hoop,  round  and  round  trees, 
so  it  would  be  impossible  to  remove  them  after  they  had  cool 
ed.  Hascall's  division  struck  the  road  at  the  same  place,  and 
destroyed  the  railway  south  to  the  4th  Corps,  the  latter  having 
reached  the  road  about  4  o'clock. 

At  night  Cox's  division  went  into  position  across  the  rail 
road,  fronting  north,  and  built  works,  and  the  next  day  (Sept. 
1st)  destroyed  the  road  a  mile  and  a  half  north  to  Rough  and 
Ready  Station,  and  then  returned  and  moved  south  towards 
Jonesboro — the  112th  Illinois  the  rear  guard.  Hood  heard 
by  the  returning  train  that  Sherman's  army  had  cut  the  road 
and  was  moving  north  on  Bough  and  Ready  Station.  He  had 
not  heard  of  Hardee's  encounter  with  Howard,  the  telegraph 
wires  having  been  cut,  and  sent  orders  for  Lee's  corps  to  re 
turn  to  Atlanta. 

Lee  moved  from  Jonesboro  in  the  night,  but  never  reached 
Atlanta.  Sherman  having  divided  the  Confederate  forces,  en 
deavored  to  surround  and  capture  Hardee,  but  he  escaped  af 
ter  a  hard  tight,  in  which  he  lost  heavily  in  killed,  wounded 
and  captured,  and  retired  toLovejoy's  Station. 

About  two  o'clock  in  the  night  of  the  1st,  heavy  explosions 
were  heard  in  the  direction  of  Atlanta,  about  twenty  miles 
distant,  which  continued  for  an  hour  or  two,  and  again  at  four 
o'clock  in  the  morning  other  explosions  were  heard,  which  it 
was  subsequently  learned,  were  caused  by  the  destruction  of 
large  trains  of  ordnance  and  ordnance  stores  which  Hood  had 
not  been  able  to  move  from  Atlanta. 

During  .the  night  of  the  1st  Hood  evacuated  Atlanta  and 
assembled  his  army  at  Lovejoy's  Station,  and  on  the  2nd  Slo- 
cum's  20th  Corps  marched  in  and  took  possession  of  the  city. 

Atlanta  had  been  "fairly  won",  as  Sherman  expressed  it, 
and  on  the  4th  the  army  was  ordered  to  move  back  slowly 
and  go  into  camp  at  the  places  selected,  for  a  brief  period  of 
rest  before  entering  upon  another  campaign. 

The  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was  ordered  to  occupy  Atlan 
ta,  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  East  Point,  and  the  Army  of 
the  Ohio  Decatur,  while  the  cavalry  was  ordered  to  cover  the 


THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN  ENDED.  243 

flanks  and  rear  from  Sandtown  to  the  Chattahoochee  River. 
The  army  moved  back  by  easy  marches,  and  by  the  8th  of 
September  all  were  in  their  designated  camps. 

Hood's  army  was  grouped  around  Palmetto  Station,  twenty- 
live  miles  south-east  of  Atlanta.  He  threw  a  bridge  across  the 
Chattahoochee  west  of  him,  and  sent  a  cavalry  force  west  to 
Carroltown,  another  to  Powder  Springs,  ten  miles  south  of 
Lost  Mountain,  and  also  occupied  Jonesboro  with  considera 
ble  force. 

Gen.  Sherman  strengthened  the  garrisons  at  Chattanooga, 
Rome  and  other  strategic  points  in  the  rear,  and  at  the  bridges 
and  other  points  on  the  railroad,  to  guard  his  line  of  commu 
nications,  and  the  army  settled  down  to  rest. 

The  Atlanta  campaign  was  ended  ;  and  after  four  months  of 
constant  marching  and  counter-marching,  maneuvering  and 
skirmishing,  by  night  as  well  as  by  day,  in  the  mountain  fast 
nesses  of  Northern  Georgia,  almost  every  day  under  lire,  both 
of  artillery  and  musketry,  ever  alert,  watchful  and  vigilant- 
guarding  against  surprise,  yet  seeking  to  strike  the  enemy  un 
awares  ;  at  all  times  prepared  for  the  unexpected  and  in  read 
iness  to  meet  and  overcome  it ;  always  ready  to  move  at  a  mo 
ment's  notice- -to  march  at  the  sound  of  the  bugle,  or  fight  at 
the  tap  of  the  drum ;  after  four  such  months  of  incessant 
strain  on  nerve  and  brain,  the  veterans  of  Sherman's  army 
were  worn  arid  weary,  although  flushed  with  victory,  and  were 
glad  to  pause  and  take  breath,  while  the  plans  of  future  cam 
paigns  were  being  discussed  and  marked  out  by  Grant  and 
Sherman. 

Lieut.  Thomas  E.  Milchrist,  of  Co.  G,  was  detailed  as  Aid- 
de-camp  on  Col.  Reilly's  staff  on  the  14th  of  May,  and  served 
in  that  capacity  until  the  112th  was  transferred  to  the  3d  Bri 
gade,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Col.  Henderson's  staff  and 
served  as  Aid-de-camp  on  his  staff,  until  he  was  transferred 
and  promoted  to  captain  in  the  65th  Illinois,  in  June,  1865. 

Capt.  James  McCartney  was  appointed  Judge  Advocate  of 
the  division  court  martial  in  the  beginning  of  the  campaign, 
and  served  as  such  until  the  27th  of  July ;  but  he  commanded 
his  company  all  the  time,  holding  court  martial  only  when  the 
division  was  at  rest. 


244  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS 

Lieut.  James  P.  McChesney,  of  Co.  A,  resigned  on  the  10th 
of  A.ugust,  and  on  the  20th  of  September  Second  Lieut.  Lean- 
der  U.  Browning  was  promoted  to  fill  the  vacancy,  and  First 
Serg.  Thomas  J.  Williams  was  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant. 

Second  Lieut.  George  C.  Maxiield,  of  Co.  F,  resigned  on  the 
llth  of  September,  and  on  the  14th  First  Lieut.  James  G. 
Armstrong  was  promoted  to  Captain,  and  First  Serg.  Bushrod 
Tapp  to  First  Lieutenant. 

As  the  company  was  reduced  below  the  required  minimum 
number,  no  second  lieutenant  was  appointed. 

Serg.  Major  J.  C.  Baird  was  compelled  to  go  to  the  rear,  by 
reason  of  sickness,  on  the  13th  of  June  ;  and  Albert  Walton,  of 
Co.  D,  was  detailed  as  acting  Sergeant  Major,  and  served  as 
such  until  the  12th  of  September.  George  Bernard,  Quarter 
master  Sergeant  of  the  regiment,  died  in  hospital  at  Marietta, 
on  the  24th  of  August,  and  on  the  12th  of  September  Albert 
Walton  was  appointed  Quartermaster  Sergeant ;  and  Serg. 
Andrew  B.  Lafferty,  of  Co.  D,  was  detailed  as  acting  Sergeant 
Major,  and  served  as  such  until  the  following  year. 

Q.  M.  Sergeant  Bernard  was  buried  at  Marietta,  on  the  25th 
of  August ;  and  after  the  war,  his  remains  were  interred  in  the 
National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  in  Section  G,  Grave  No.  7,269. 

At  Decatur  grounds  were  prepared  and  camps  laid  out  with 
great  care  and  accuracy,  tents  were  set  with  the  greatest  pre 
cision,  and  the  men,  of  their  own  accord,  at  once  commenced 
beautifying  the  camp.  The  ground  was  swept  as  clean  as  a 
house  floor,  arbors  were  erected,  and  every  day  some  new  im 
provement  was  made  adding  to  the  comfort  and  beauty  of  the 
camp. 

There  was  considerable  good  natured  rivalry  among  the  reg 
iments,  each  trying  to  outdo  the  others,  and  in  a  short  time 
the  camp  had  the  appearance  of  a  Garden  of  Paradise.  It 
was  universally  admitted,  however,  that  the  112th  Illinois  had 
the  most  beautiful  and  perfectly  arranged  camp  in  the  corps  ; 
and  hundreds  of  officers  and  soldiers  from  other  commands, 
and  many  citizens  visited  the  camp  to  look  upon  its  beauty 
and  admire  the  good  taste  and  skill  of  the  men  who  had  plann 
ed  and  made  it. 

The  officers,  however,  were  compelled  to  work.     The  loss  of 


MAKING  REPORTS.  245 

the  records  had  thrown  their  accounts  into  confusion,  and  dur 
ing  the  campaign  there  had  been  no  opportunity  to  straighten 
them  out. 

They  were  greatly  perplexed  how  to  proceed  :  but  "pay-day" 
was  approaching,  and  that  was  an  incentive  to  their  inventive 
genius ;  and  finally  they  succeeded  in  unravelling  the  knots 
and  getting  their  accounts  in  shape  for  approval. 

Report  after  report  was  called  for,  from  companies,  regi 
ments,  brigades  and  divisions,  and  for  three  weeks  adjutants 
and  clerks  were  busily  employed  in  making,  consolidating  and 
forwarding  them  to  higher  headquarters. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

HOOD  MARCHES  NORTH  AND  STRIKES  SHERMAN'S  LINE  OF 

COMMUNICATIONS— A  WILD-GOOSE  CHASE. 

ALLATOONA- — ROME— RESACA — GAYLESVILLE 

SHERMAN'S  MARCH  TO  THE  SEA. 
THE  28 i)  CORPS  AT  PULASKI,  WATCHING  HOOD. 

Atlanta  was  not  only  the  center  of  a  great  railway  system, 
in  the  very  heart  of  the  grain  and  food-producing  region  of 
Northern  Georgia,  but  it  contained  extensive  manufactures  of 
the  utmost  importance  to  the  Southern  Confederacy. 

Its  railways  and  warehouses  and  mills  and  foundries  sup 
plied  the  Southern  armies  with  provisions  and  clothing  and 
munitions  of  war,  which  were  accumulated  there  in  large 
quantities,  and  distributed  as  occasion  required. 

It  was  the  key-stone  city  of  the  Confederacy,  and  its  loss  was 
a  severe  blow  to  the  South. 

But  it  was  not  for  the  intrinsic  military  value  of  Atlanta, 
alone,  that  it  had  been  so  stubbornly  defended.  There  had 
been  a  double  purpose  in  holding  it,  and  the  military  cam 
paign  to  retain  it  was  but  an  adjunct  of  the  political  cam 
paign  then  in  progress  in  the  North.  A  Presidential  election 
was  pending.  After  three  years  of  war  the  power  of  the  so- 
called  Confederate  government  remained  unbroken,  and  its 
armies  contested  every  foot  of  ground  as  they  retired  before 
the  advance  of  the  Union  armies.  Lee  had  destroyed  an 
army  equal  in  numbers  to  his  own,  and  still  sueessfully  de 
fended  the  Confederate  Capital  against  every  attempt  to  cap 
ture  it. 

Calls  for  volunteers  by  the  National  government  did  not 
meet  with  qu'ck  response,  as  in  the  first  years  of  the  war,  and 
a  draft  had  bsen  ordered  to  fill  the  depleted  ranks  of  regiments 


ENCOURAGED  A-ND  DISCOURAGED.        247 

at  the  front.  The  public  debt  was  increasing  at  the  rate  of  a 
million  dollars  a  day,  and  no  man  could  foresee  the  en;l. 

Many  people  of  the  North  had  become  discouraged,  com 
plained  of  the  slow  progress  of  the  war,  and  the  great  sacri 
fices  of  blood  and  treasure  without  corresponding  advantages, 
and  demanded  a  change  in  the  administration  of  the  govern 
ment  ;  and  one  of  the  great  political  parties  of  the  country,  in 
National  convention,  had  solemnly  declared  the  war  for  the 
Union  a  failure,  and  demanded  a  cessation  of  hostilities,  with 
a  view  to  an  ultimate  settlement  of  the  questions  at  issue  by  a 
compromise.  The  Confederate  leaders  were  watchful  of  the 
public  sentiment  in  the  North,  and  quick  to  turn  any  disaffec 
tion  among  the  people  to  their  own  advantage.  They  looked 
upon  the  peace  party  of  the  North  as  friends  and  allies  of  the 
South,  and  determined  to  continue  the  struggle  with  increased 
energy  for  its  political  effect  upon  the  pending  election,  as  well 
as  for  military  advantage. 

The  defeat  of  Sherman,  they  believed,  would  strengthen  the 
peace  party  and  aid  it  in  carrying  the  election,  in  which  event 
they  expected  a  termination  of  the  war  upon  terms  favorable 
to  themselves.  They  had  hoped  to  check  Sherman's  advance, 
and  hold  him  on  the  line  of  the  Chattahoochee  until  after  the 
election  ;  but  failing  in  that,  they  next  determined  to  hold  At 
lanta,  at  whatever  cost  of  men  and  money. 

Gen.  Joseph  E.  Johnston,  who  was  removed  from  the  com 
mand  of  the  Confederate  army  because  of  his  failure  to  pre 
vent  Sherman  from  crossing  the  Chattahoochee,  is  a  compe 
tent  and  credible  witness  upon  this  point.  In  his  "Narratives 
of  the  War"  he  says  : 

"The  importance  to  the  Confederacy  of  defeating  the  enter 
prise  against  Atlanta  was  not  to  be  measured  by  military  con 
sequences  alone.  Political  considerations  were  also  involved, 
and  added  much  to  the  interest  of  that  campaign.  The  North 
ern  Democrats  had  pronounced  the  management  of  the  war  a 
failure,  and  declared  against  its  being  continued,  and  the  Pres 
idential  election,  soon  to  occur,  was  to  turn  upon  the  question 
of  immediate  peace  or  continued  war. 

"In  all  the  earlier  part  of  the  year  1864,  the  press  had  been 
publishing  to  the  Northern  people  most  exaggerated  ideas  of 


248  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

the  military  value  of  Atlanta,  and  that  its  capture  would  ter 
minate  the  war.  If  Sherman  had  been  foiled,  these  exaggera 
tions  would  have  caused  great  agitation  in  consequence  of  his 
failure — would  have  strengthened  the  peace  party  greatly — so 
much,  perhaps,  as  to  have  aided  it  to  carry  the  Presidential 
election,  which  would  have  brought  the  war  to  an  immediate 
close." 

But  if  the  people  in  the  North  were  discouraged,  Sherman 
and  his  soldiers  were  not.  Atlanta  was  taken,  'and  the  peace 
party  buried  in  its  ruins. 

Jeff  Davis  visited  Hood  at  his  headquarters,  on  the  25th  of 
September,  and  together  they  discussed  and  matured  a  new 
campaign. 

Atlanta  had  been  lost.  But  if  Hood,  by  bold,  rapid  move 
ments,  could  destroy  Sherman's  line  of  communications,  they 
believed  he  would  be  forced  to  abandon  Atlanta  and  all  North 
ern  Georgia,  and  place  his  army  north  of  the  Tennessee. 

If  Sherman  did  not  follow  him,  but  should  seek  a  new  base 
of  operations  on  the  Gulf  or  on  the  sea  coast,  then  Hood  would 
march  north,  capture  Nashville,  recover  Tennessee,  invade 
Kentucky,  and  push  his  operations  north  to  the  Ohio  Eiver ; 
and  he  even  dreamed  of  crossing  the  Ohio  and  carrying  the 
war  into  the  Northern  States. 

Sherman's  line  of  communications  extended  north  to  Louis 
ville  and  Cincinnati. 

Gov.  Yance  of  North  Carolina,  in  a  letter  written  only  three 
days  before  Jeff  Davis'  visit  to  Hood,  stated  that  with  a  base 
of  communications  five-hundred  miles  in  Sherman's  rear, 
through  their  own  country,  not  a  bridge  had  been  burned,  not 
a  car  thrown  from  its  track,  not  a  man  shot  by  the  people 
whose  country  he  had  desolated. 

The  people,  he  said,  seemed  every  where  to  submit  as  soon 
as  the  Confederate  armies  were  withdrawn. 

It  was  Hood's  purpose  to  destroy  this  line — except  where 
necessary  for  his  own  use — to  subsist  his  army  as  far  as  pos 
sible  upon  the  country  and  captured  supplies,  to  arouse  the 
se3essionists  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  to  activity,  recruit 
his  army  by  volunteers  and  a  vigorous  enforcement  of  the  Con 
federate  conscription  laws,  and  sweep  north  to  the  Ohio  Eiver. 


IN  PUBSUIT  OF  HOOD.  249 

He  began  his  march  on  the  first  clay  of  October.  His  caval 
ry  forces  were  sent  forward  in  advance,  with  orders  to  move 
rapidly  and  strike  the  railroad  north  of  the  Chattahoochee ; 
and  he  followed  with  his  infantry  and  artillery  and  pushed 
rapidly  toward  Dallas.  The  cavalry 'destroyed  the  railroad 
and  twenty  miles  of  telegraph  in  the  vicinity  of  Big  Shanty, 
north  of  Marietta,  and  then  hastened  toward  Allatoona  Pass, 
where  one  million  rations  were  stored,  guarded  by  the  93d  Il 
linois  Volunteers. 

Sherman  waited  until  satisfied  of  Hood's  intentions,  and 
then  started  in  pursuit.  He  had  no  thought  of  transferring  the 
theater  of  operations  north  of  the  Tennessee,  nor  of  loosening 
his  hold  upon  Atlanta.  On~the  3d  of  October  the  order  of 
march  was  issued.  The  20th  Corps  was  to  hold  Atlanta  and 
the  Chattahoochee  bridge,  and  the  rest  of  the  army  move  to 
Smyrna  Camp  Ground,  near  Marietta. 

Gen.  Thomas  was  at  Nashville  making  combinations  to  head 
off  Forrest  and  Wheeler,  who  were  threatening  a  cavalry  raid 
into  Middle  Tennessee,  and  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was 
in  command  of  Gen.  Stanley.  Gen.  Schofield  was  at  Knox- 
ville,  looking  after  the  business  of  his  department,  and  during 
his  absence  Gen.  Cox  commanded  the  Army  of  the  Ohio,  and 
Gen.  Eeilly  the  3d  Division.  Gen.  Howard  was  in  command 
of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee. 

The  23d  Corps  moved  at  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  4th, 
made  a  long  detour  in  order  to  cross  Peachtree  Creek,  on  ac 
count  of  a  bridge  having  been  carried  away,  crossed  the  Chat 
tahoochee  on  pontoons  near  the  railroad  bridge,  and  thence 
proceeded  seven  miles  up  the  river  and  bivouacked  on  the 
Pace's  Ferry  and  [Marietta^  road — having  'marched  eighteen 
miles. 

On  the  5th  marched  up  through  Marietta  to  the  old  rebel 
works  north  of  Kenesaw,  twelve  miles.  The  Army  of  the  Ten 
nessee  covered  the  line  to  the  Chattahoochee. 

Hood  with  his -principal  force  was  in  the  direction  of  Dallas. 
He  sent  French  in  the  night  of  the  4th  to  capture  Allatoona. 
Sherman  signalled  Gen.  Corse  at  Eome  to  reinforce  the  garri 
son  at  Allatoona,  and  the  latter  arrived  there  with  three  regi 
ments,  by  rail,  just  in  time,  for  he  had  hardly  placed  his  men 


250-  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

in  position  on  the  morning  of  the  5th,  when  French,  with  a  di 
vision  of  infantry  and  artillery,  surrounded  the  place  and  op 
ened  a  vigorous  cannonade.  After  two  hours  cannonading  he 
demanded  a  surrender  in  five  minutes,  "to  spare  unnecessary 
effusion  of  blood."  Corse  refused  to  surrender,  and  informed 
the  Confederate  general  that  he  could  commence  "the  effusion 
of  blood"  as  soon  as  he  pleased.  The  result  is  well-known. 
French  made  a  furious  assault  upon  the  works,  but  was  gal 
lantly  repulsed.  Again  and  again  he  repeated  the  charge,  on 
ly  to  increase  the  "effusion  of  blood"  in  his  own  ranks. 

From  the  heights  of  Kenesaw,  eighteen  miles  away,  Sher 
man  anxiously  watched  the  unequal  contest.  The  4th  and 
14th  corps  were  on  Pine  Mountain,  and  the  '23d  Corps  moved 
out  rapidly  on  the  Burnt  Hickory  road  to  strike  the  rear  and 
flank  of  the  rebel  division ;  and  Sherman  signalled  to  Corse 
that  little  message,  celebrated  in  song  and  story,  "Hold  the 
fort,  for  I  am  coming!"  Quickly  the  lit -le  nags  waved  back 
Corse's  reply — brief,  but  brave  and  determined.  It  satisfied 
Sherman,  but  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Sunday  School  books. 

French  withdrew  from  Allatoona  and  beat  a  hasty  retreat, 
leaving  his  dead  and  wounded  upon  the  field. 

The  23d  Corps  continued  its  march,  and  arrived  at  Allatoo 
na  at  sunset  on  the  8th,  and  remained  there  until  the  10th. 

French  moved  rapidly  upon  Resaca,  but  Sherman  sent  for 
ward  a  division  by  rail  to  reinforce  the  garrison,  and  by  a 
forced  march  brought  his  army  to  Kingston,  within  support 
ing  distance,  and  the  rebel  general  retreated  toward  Borne. 

Hood  was  south  of  the  Coosa,  and  he  now  crossed  the  river 
with  his  main  force  and  threatened  Rome.  Sherman  pushed 
forward  a  division  by  rail  to  reinforce  the  garrison,  and  follow 
ed  by  rapid  marches  with  the  rest  of  his  army. 

The  23d  Corps  arrived  at  Rome  on  the  evening  of  the  12th, 
and  at  daylight  the  next  morning  broke  camp  and  crossed  the 
Uoosa,  in  support  of  the  cavalry,  on  a  recomioissance  to  as 
certain  the  position  of  Hood's  principal  force ;  and  learned 
that  he  had  removed  his  pontoons  and  taken  them  north  with 
him,  and  given  out  that  he  was  going  to  Tennessee.  The  cav 
alry  captured  two  guns  and  a  hundred  prisoners  of  his  rear 
guard.  The  corps  returned  to  Rome  in  the  evening. 


HOOD'S  PLANS  COME  TO  NAUGHT.  251 

Hood's  movement  against  Koine  proved  to  be  but  a  feint  ; 
he  was  already  moving  rapidly,  by  forced  inarches,  upon  Re- 
saca,  which  he  meant  to  reach  and  carry  by  mere  force  of 
numbers  before  Sherman  could  discover  what  he  was  about. 
Moving  into  position  before  Resaca,  he  demanded  an  immedi 
ate  surrender,  threatening  that  he  would  take  no  prisoners  if 
compelled  to  make  an  assault.  Gen.  Baum,  in  command,  re 
fused  to  surrender.  Hood  hesitated.  Sherman  had  discov 
ered  the  movement  and  was  in  close  pursuit.  The  23cl  Corps 
moved  from  Rome  at  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  and 
reached  Resaca  on  the  loth.  The  rest  of  the  army  was  in  ad 
vance. 

Hood  destroyed  twenty  miles  of  railroad  north  of  Resaca, 
and  retreated  through  Snake  Creek  (Tap,  blockading  the  gorge 
behind  him  by  felling  the  timber,  so  as  to  delay  Sherman's 
pursuit.  Sherman  endeavored  to  entrap  him  in  the  gap,  and 
sent  Stanley  over  the  hills  to  head  him  off,  while  Howard  and 
Cox  cleared  out  the  road  and  followed  him  in  rear  ;  but  he  made 
his  escape.  Sherman  followed  him  down  the  Oostanaula  Val 
ley  to  Shipp's  Gap,  and  thence  to  La  Fayefcte,  when  Hood  re 
treated  to  Gadsden  in  Alabama. 

The  23d  Corps  marched  from  Snake  Creek  Gap  to  Sugar 
Valley,  fifteen  miles,  on  the  16th,  and  rested  on  the  17th, 
awaiting  orders. 

Moved  at  daylight  on  the  18th,  and  marched  by  the  way  of 
Villanow  and  Dirt  Town,  over  the  mountain  by  Grover's  Gap, 
to  Summerville,  and  thence  crossed  the  State  line  into  Alaba 
ma,  at  10  o'clock  on  the  20th,  and  proceeded  to  Gaylesville, 
arriving  there  on  the  20th,  and  camped  on  the  Chattooga  River 
—having  marched  nearly  sixty  miles  in  the  three  days.  The 
Armies  of  the  Cumberland  and  Tennessee  marched  down  the 
Chattooga  Valley,  and  arrived  at  Gaylesville  the  same  day. 

Sherman  was  wearied  of  the  wild-goose  chase  which  Hood 
had  led  him,  and  determined  to  end  it  then  and  there.  Hood 
was  checkmated  for  the  present,  and  Sherman  decided  to  halt 
for  a  few  days  in  the  heart  of  the  rich  valley  of  the  Chattooga, 
abounding  in  food,  and  while  watching  the  enemy,  rest  his 
men  and  subsist  upon  the  country. 

From  the  4th  of  October  his  army  had  rested  but  three  days 


252  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

— every  other  day  in  motion.  It  had  marched  over  two  hun 
dred  miles,  in  almost  continuous  autumnal  storms.  The  hour 
of  reveille  was  4  :30,  and  at  daylight  every  morning  the  col 
umns  had  been  in  motion.  The  men,  although  in  excellent 
spirits,  needed  rest ;  and  while  resting  they  feasted  upon  the 
beef  and  pork  and  mutton,  the  sweet  potatoes,  peaches,  and 
milk  and  honey  of  Northern  Alabama. 

The  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was  held  in  reserve  at  Gayles- 
ville  ;  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  was  advanced  to  Little  River, 
to  support  the  cavalry  watching  Hood ;  and  011  the  25th  the 
Army  of  the  Ohio  moved  to  Cedar  Bluff,  on  the  Coosa  River, 
from  which  point  detachments  reconnoitered  toward  Center 
and  Blue  Mountains. 

About  the  last  of  October  Hood  moved  his  army  westward 
toward  Decatur,  with  the  evident  purpose  of  decoying  Sher 
man  from  his  position ;  but,  instead  of  following,  Sherman 
concentrated  his  army  at  Rome  and  Kingston.  Hood  evident 
ly  expected  that  his  movement  would  cause  Sherman  to  con 
centrate  his  army  at  Nashville,  to  oppose  the  threatened  inva 
sion  of  Tennessee,  but  in  this  he  was  disappointed. 

Sherman  had  no  notion  of  abandoning  the  fruits  of  a  year's 
campaign.  Gen.  Thomas  was  at  Nashville,  watching  Hood's 
movements,  and  making  preparations  to  contest  his  march 
northward,  if  he  attempted  it,  or  pursue  him  if  he  followed 
Sherman  toward  the  sea. 

Two  divisions  of  the  4th  Corps  were  at  Pulaski,  eighty  miles 
south  of  Nashville,  and  fifty-four  miles  north  of  Decatur,  Al 
abama,  observing  Hood's  movements,  and  prepared  to  march 
north  or  south,  as  necessity  might  require. 

The  23d  Corps  had  expected  to  accompany  Sherman  on  his 
"March  to  the  Sea,"  but  at  the  request  of  Gen.  Thomas  it  was 
detached  from  Sherman's  army,  and  ordered  to  report  to 
Thomas  at  Nashville. 

Sherman  then  returned  to  Atlanta,  and  burning  the  bridges 
behind  him,  plunged  out  of  sight  into  the  enemy's  country. 

President  Lincoln  said  of  him  :  "We  know  where  he  went  in 
at,  but  no  one  can  tell  where  he  will  come  out  at." 

He  mowed  a  swath  forty  miles  wide  through  the  heart  of 
Georgia,  and  thence  north  through  the  Carolinas ;  and  when 


OBDERED  TO  NASHVILLE.  253 

he  "came  out"  at  Goldsboro,  N.  C.,  in  March,  1865,  the  23d 
Army  Corps — and  the  112th  Illinois  with  it — was  there  to  meet 
him. 

Sherman's  "March  to  the  Sea"  was  a  grand  pic-nic  ;  but  it 
proved  the  hollowness  of  the  Confederacy — developed  its  weak 
ness,  and  hastened  the  inevitable  end  of  its  existence. 

Sherman  had  said  to  some  of  the  officers  of  the  23cl  Corps, 
in  parting  with  them  at  Rome  :  "If  there's  any  fighting,  you'll 
have  it  to  do ;"  and  the  sequel  proved  that  he  was  right. 

The  23d  Corps  broke  camp  at  6  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the  30th  of  October  and  marched  eighteen  miles  to  a  point 
three  miles  east  of  Rome.  Here  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  rejoined  the 
112th  Illinois  and  took  command  of  the  regiment,  having  re 
covered  from  the  wound  received  at  Utoy  Creek.  The  next 
day  marched  nineteen  miles,  and  camped  near  Calhoun ;  on 
the  first  day  of  November  marched  through  Resaca  to  Tilton 
Station,  twelve  miles,  and  on  the  2nd  marched  to  Dalton,  ar 
riving  there  at  noon.  On  the  3d  the  2nd  Division,  in  com 
mand  of  Gen.  Joseph  A.  Cooper,  accompanied  by  Gen.  Scho- 
field,  started  for  Nashville,  by  rail,  and  on  arriving  there,  two 
brigades  were  sent  to  Jolmsonville,  on  the  Tennessee  River, 
nearly  west  of  Nashville,  and  one  (Strickland's)  to  Columbia 
on  Duck  River,  south  of  Nashville,  011  the  railroad  leading  to 
Pulaski.  Cox's  division  remained  at  Dalton,  waiting  for  trans 
portation,  until  the  6th,  when  it  was  ordered  to  strike  tents 
and  be  prepared  to  take  the  cars  at  10  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

The  division  moved  down  town  to  the  depot  in  the  evening 
and  stood  in  the  streets  all  night,  in  a  pelting  storm,  waiting 
for  cars.  At  8  o'clock  on  the  7th  the  division  was  loaded,  and 
the  train  pulled  out  and  ran  to  Chattanooga,  arriving  there  at 
dark ;  waited  there  until  8  o'clock,  and  then  ran  out  ten  miles 
and  side-tracked,  and  waited  until  8  o'clock  the  next  morning 
for  a  down .  train  to  pass ;  reached  Stevenson,  Alabama,  at 
2  :30  in  the  afternoon,  and  arrived  at  Nashville  at  6  o'clock  on 
the  morning  of  the  9th  ;  remained  there  until  noon,  and  then 
ran  south  twenty-one  miles,  to  Franklin  ;  remained  there  un 
til  noon  of  the  10th,  and  then  six  miles  south,  to  Thompson's 
Station,  and  unloaded  and  went  into  camp  to  wait  for  a  brok 
en  bridge  to  be  repaired. 


254  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

On  the  12th  the  division  was  ordered  to  proceed  on  foot  to 
Pulaski ;  and  on  the  13th(Sunday)  marched  fifteen  miles,  to 
Columbia ;  on  the  14th  marched  nineteen  miles,  to  Lynnville, 
and  on  the  15th  marched  ten  miles  and  went  into  camp  near 
Pulaski. 

Gen.  Schofield  was  in  command  of  the  forces  in  the  field. 
He  now  had  at  Pulaski  the  4th  Corps,  in  command  of  Gen. 
Stanley,  and  Cox's  division  of  the  23d  Corps,  and  a  small  force 
of  cavalry  in  command  of  Gen.  Hatch. 

Major  Dow  had  been  detailed  on  the  first  of  November  and 
was  now  acting  as  Assistant  Inspector  General  on  the  staff  of 
Gen.  Cox,  a  position  he  held  until  April  22,  1865,  when  he  was 
appointed  by  the  President  Inspector  General  of  the  23d  Army 
Corps,  with  the  rank  of  Lieutenant  Colonel,  and  served  as 
such  until  the  close  of  the  war. 

For  several  days  the  weather  had  been  miserable — a  cold, 
driving  rain  storm,  and  the  camp  was  a  vast  body  of  mud  and 
water.  The  rain,  accompanied  by  sleet,  continued,  with  the 
exception  of  but  a  single  day  (the  17th),  until  the  22nd  of 
November. 

Col.  Henderson  had  been  attacked  with  chills  and  fever,  and 
was  so  ill  that  he  was  compelled  to  turn  over  the  command  of 
his  brigade,  temporarily,  to  Col.  Stiles,  but  he  remained  with 
the  command,  riding  in  the  ambulance  when  it  moved,  until 
the  25th,  when  he  again  assumed  command,  although  then 
sick  enough  to  be  in  bed. 

Hood  was  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tennessee,  at  Florence,  and 
it  was  yet  uncertain  what  course  he  would  pursue,  although 
it  was  believed  he  would  cross  the  river  and  attempt  to  march 
north  and  capture  Nashville ;  and  then,  if  successful,  continue 
his  march  northward  in  accordance  with  his  original  plans. 
But,  as  the  sequel  will  prove,  he  was  doomed  to  disaster,  de 
feat,  disappointment  and  disgrace. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

HOOD  CROSSES  THE  TENNESSEE— SCHOFIELD's  RETREAT  TO 

COLUMBIA — -ACROSS  DUCK  RIVER — SPRING  HILL. 

HOOD  NAPPING — FORCED  NIGHT  MARCH  TO  FRANKLIN. 

PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE. 

Hood  had  been  delayed  by  bad  roads  and  want  of  transpor 
tation,  but  he  crossed  the  Tennessee  River  at  Florence,  on  the 
20th  of  November,  and  on  the  '21st  his  whole  army  was  in  rap 
id  motion,  on  the  Lawrenceburg  Pike,  towards  Columbia,  in 
the  attempt  to  get  in  rear  of  Schofield  before  the  latter  could 
reach  Duck  River. 

On  the  '21st  Cox's  division  was  ordered  to  be  ready  to  move 
at  a  moment's  notice,  with  three  days  rations  packed  in  haver 
sacks,  and  the  next  morning  marched  back  to  Lynnville,  to 
cover  the  cross  roads  at  that  place,  where  it  was  joined  in  the 
evening  by  Wagner's  division  of  the  4th  Corps;  and  on  the 
23d  Cox  moved  ten  miles  further  back  to  Hurricane,  where  the 
division  bivouacked  in  line  of  battle  ;  and  that  night  the  men 
slept  on  their  arms.  The  rest  of  the  4th  Corps  moved  back 
from  Pulaski,  the  same  night,  and  joined  Wagner's  division 
at  Lynnville.  But  Forrest  was  making  a  determined  advance 
upon  Columbia,  on  the  Mount  Pleasant  Pike,  driving  Hatch's 
cavalry  before  him,  and  before  daylight  on  the  24th  the  whole 
Union  force  was  moving  rapidly  towards  Columbia.  Cox's  di 
vision  having  less  distance  to  travel,  was  the  first  to  approach 
the  town.  Forrest  was  driving  Col.  Capron's  brigade  of  cav- 


256  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

airy  rapidly  into  town,  and  as  Cox  approached  the  firing  on 
the  other  road  was  heard,  and  the  division  marched  by  a 
cross-road  two^miles  from  town,  and  interposed  a  heavy 
skirmish  line,  composed  in  part  of  Companies  A,  F  and  D  of 
their2th  Illinois,  moving  at  double-quick,  between  the  contend 
ing  cavalry  forces.  A  brisk  fire  from  the  skirmishers  and  a 
few  well-directed^shots~from  "the  battery  soon  checked  For 
rest's  advance.  A  line  was  formed  and  light  works  thrown 
up  behind  Bigby  Creek.  Schofield's  whole  force  moved  into 
Columbia  before  noon  and  occupied  a  strong  position,  and  by 
the  25th  Hood  confronted  him  with  his  whole  army. 

It  had  been  Gen.  Thomas'  intention  to  meet  and  give  Hood 
battle  south  of  Duck  Eiver,  but  three  divisions  of  the  16th  Corps, 
under  Gen.^A.  J.  Smith,  which  had  been  promised  him,  had 
been  delayed,  and  his  cavalry  had  been  scattered  and  many 
of  them  dismounted ;  and  he  instructed  Gen.  Schofield  to  de 
lay  and  obstruct  Hood's  advance  to  the  last  moment,  while  he 
awaited  Smith's  arrival  and  concentrated  other  troops  in  his 
command. 

Gen.  Schofield  was  met  at  Columbia  by  Gen.  Kuger  with 
one  of  the  brigades  of  the  2nd  Division,  from  Johnsonville, 
part  of  which  was  scattered  at  several  points  on  the  river,  to 
protect  the  crossings  and  fords  on  the  right  flank. 

The  other  brigade  had  moved  from  Johnsonville  to  Centre- 
ville,  on  the  river  twenty  miles  west  of  Columbia,  to  prevent 
Forrest's  cavalry  from  crossing  at  that  point.  Gen.  Wilson 
joined  Schofield  and  took  command  of  the  cavalry,  and  be- 
tweerfthe  25th  and  30th  this  arm  of  the  service  was  consider 
ably  reinforced. 

There  was  considerable  sharp  skirmishing  and  artillery  fir 
ing  on  the  25th,  but  Hood  did  not  risk  an  attack. 

Gen.  Schofield  became  convinced  that  Hood  would  attempt 
to  turn  his  position,  and  prepared  an  interior  and  shorter  line 
to  which  he  could  retire  part  of  his  forces  and  send  part  north 
of  the  river ;  and  during  the  night  of  the  25th  the  1st  and  2nd 
brigades  of  Cox's  division  crossed  to  the  north  side  and  occu 
pied  and  fortified  a  position  covering  the  pontoon  bridge. 

Henderson's  brigade  and  Strickland's  brigade  of  the  2nd  Di 
vision  and  the  4th  Corps  remained  on  the  south  side,  and  oc- 


CROSSING  DUCK  KIYEB.  257 

cupied  the  interior  line  of  works.  Henderson's  brigade  cover 
ed  the  Mount  Pleasant  Pike  and  Wood's  division  of  the  4th 
Corps  the  Pulaski  Pike. 

The  enemy  advanced  a  heavy  line  of  skirmishers  and  at 
tempted  to  drive  in  our  skirmish  line,  on  the  morning  of  the 
•26th,  with  the  evident  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  strength  of 
the  line  ;  but  they  were  repulsed  with  considerable  loss.  This 
was  repeated  several  times  with  the  same  result.  Two- men  of 
the  112th  Illinois  were  slightly  wounded,  but  the  author  has 
been  unable  to  obtain  their  names  or  company. 

The  indications  of  Hood's  purpose  to  divide  the  army,  and 
force  a  crossing  of  the  river  above  with  his  principal  force, 
while  the  remainder  kept  up  a  demonstration  in  front,  were  so 
plain,  that,  during  the  night  of  the  26th  the  4th  Corps  was 
moved  across  the  river,  and  the  lines  of  Henderson's  and 
Strickland's  brigades  were  stretched  to  cover  the  wiiole  front. 

The  enemy  made  frequent  demonstrations  on  the  27th,  but 
the  attacks  were  evidently  made  for  the  sole  purpose  of  keep 
ing  the  line  occupied,  and  to  cover  the  movements  of  Hood's 
troops  to  his  right. 

Our  forces  ran  out  of  ammunition,  and  it  seemed  as  if  they 
would  be  compelled  to  retire  ;  but  fortunately  Lieut.  Milchrist, 
of  Col.  Henderson's  staff,  found  two  wagons  loaded  with  am 
munition,  which  had  remained  there,  not  having  received  or 
ders  to  move,  and  the  men  were  supplied  just  in  time  to  pre 
vent  the  enemy  from  taking  advantage  of  our  empty  cartridge 
boxes. 

Gen.  Schofield  and  Col.  Henderson  were  in  constant  com 
munication  by  means  of  signal  flags,  and  Col.  Henderson  in 
formed  him  of  the  fact  that  Hood  was  moving  his  main  force 
to  the  right  with  the  evident  purpose  of  crossing  the  river  above 
and  striking  the  line  of  retreat  to  Franklin. 

Gen.  Schofield  directed  the  remainder  of  the  forces  on  the 
south  side  to  cross  the  river  in  the  night  of  the  27th,  and  at 
seven  o'clock  the  movement  commenced.  Strickland's  brigade 
was  the  first  to  cross. 

Col.  Henderson,  with  his   brigade,    covered  the  movement 
and  brought  up  the  rear. 
-17 


258  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

At  4  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  whole  command  had  cross 
ed,  and  the  railroad  bridge  was  partly,  and  the  pontoon  bridge 
wholly  destroyed.  The  latter  was  of  heavy  wooden  boats,  for 
which  there  was  no  transportation. 

Columbia  is  situated  on  high  ground,  on  the  south  bank  of 
Duck  River,  on  a  deep  bend  of  the  river,  in-  the  shape  of  a 
horse-shoe.  The  ground  on  the  north  side,  within  the  bends 
of  the  river,  is  low  and  fiat,  and  completely  commanded  by  the 
hills  on  the  south  side.  Two  brigades  of  Cox's  division  were 
in  position  on  the  north  side,  fronting  south  across  the  tongue 
between  the  two  bends  in  the  river,  and  at  daylight  on  the 
morning  of  the  '28th  Henderson's  brigade  joined  them — having 
marched  east  to  the  Nashville  road  and  then  back  towards 
Columbia,  a  distance  of  seven  miles. 

Forrest  forced  a  crossing  with  his  cavalry  eight  miles  east, 
and  pushed  forward  towards  Spring  Hill,  on  the  pike  half  way 
between  Columbia  and  Franklin. 

Hood  left  all  his  artillery  and  two  divisions  of  infantry,  of 
Lee's  corps,  at  Columbia  and  with  the  rest  of  his  army  laid 
pontoons  five  miles  east  in  the  night  of  the  28th,  crossed  the 
river  early  in  the  morning  of  the  29th,  and  marched  rapidly 
in  support  of  Forrest.  He  pushed  Cleburne's  division  ahead, 
with  instructions  to  hurry  forward  and  attack  whatever  force 
he  should  find  at  Spring  Hill. 

In  the  meantime  Stanley,  with  the  4th  Corps,  hurried  for 
ward,  and  leaving  KimbalFs  division  in  position  at  the  cross 
ing  near  Rutherford  Creek,  four  miles  below  Spring  Hill,  pro 
ceeded  with  Wagner's  division  to  the  latter  place.  The  wag 
on  trains  had  been  sent  back  and  were  all  at  Spring  Hill,  and 
Stanley  arrived  there  just  in  time  to  save  them.  The  rebel 
cavalry  had  driven  the  Union  cavalry  in,  and  were  already  in 
the  outskirts  of  the  town. 

Cleburne  came  up  with  his  infantry,  followed  closely  by 
Cheatham  with  two  more  divisions  of  cavalry  and  infantry, 
and  rushed  furiously  upon  Stanley's  command,  and  made 
charge  after  charge  upon  his  lines  ;  but  he  held  his  position, 
repulsed  every  assault,  and  saved  the  trains  and  the  line  of 
retreat,  until  darkness  put  an  end  to  the  contest. 

Hood  hurried  forward  his  columns,  and   ordered  Cheatham 


AT  COLUMBIA.  259 

to  throw  his  corps  across  the  pike  and  thus  completely  cut  off 
Schotield's  line  of  retreat ;  but  Cheatham  failed  to  comply 
with  the  order,  and  Hood's  army  went  into  bivouac  in  line  of 
battle  parallel  to,  and  less  than  half  a  mile  from  the  pike,  with 
a  picket  line  less  than  a  hundred  rods  from  the  pike. 

Gen.  Cox  still  remained  in  position  north  of  Columbia.  At 
daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  29th  the  rebel  artillery  in  Col 
umbia,  from  the  hills  around  the  whole  bend  of  the  river,  op 
ened  tire  upon  the  division,  but  the  traverses  and  angles  in 
the  line  saved  it  from  serious  loss. 

The  Union  ritied  cannon  replied  with  vigor,  and  the  rebel 
gunners  were  compelled  to  run  back  their  pieces  out  of  range. 
The  artillery  firing  was  continued  at  intervals  during  the  day, 
and  in  the  afternoon  the  rebel  infantry  made  several  unsuc 
cessful  attempts  to  force  a  crossing. 

About  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  under  cover  of  a  terrific 
artillery  fire,  they  succeeded  in  crossing  a  considerable  force, 
and  they  lay  in  line  near  the  water's  edge,  under  protection  of 
the  river  bank,  so  they  could  not  be  reached  by  the  fire  from 
Cox's  line.  They  soon  appeared  above  the  bank,  however, 
and  advanced  against  that  part  of  the  line  held  by  the  12th 
and  16th  Kentucky  regiments,  of  lieilly's  brigade.  The  63d 
Indiana  and  112th  Illinois  regiments,  of  Henderson's  brigade, 
rushed  forward  in  support  of  the  Kentucky  regiments,  and  the 
rebels  were  driven  back  under  cover  of  the  river  bank,  and 
made  no  further  efforts  to  advance. 

Gen.  Ruger,  with  twro  brigades  of  the  2nd  Division  of  the 
23d  Corps  (one  brigade  being  at  Centreville),  and  one  brigade 
of  Kimball's  division  of  the  4th  Corps,  had  joined  Stanley  at 
Spring  Hill,  but  learning  that  Jackson's  division  of  rebel  cav 
alry  occupied  Thompson's  Station,  and  that  the  rest  of  For 
rest's  cavalry  were  in  that  direction,  Gen.  Schbfield  went  for 
ward  with  Kuger's  division  to  clear  the  way.  Jackson  with 
drew,  and  Ruger  was  placed  in  a  position  to  cover  the  pike, 
and  Si-hofield  returned  to  Spring  Hill. 

At  7  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  29th  the  positions  of  the 
two  armies  were  as  follows :  Cox's  division  was  in  position 
near  Columbia ;  Wagner's  division  and  one  brigade  of  Kim- 
ball's  division,  of  the  4th  Corps,  were  with  Stanley  at  Spring 


260  HISTORY  OF  THE  112Tlt  ILLINOIS. 

Hill ;  the  remainder  of  Kimball's  division  and  Wood's  divis 
ion,  of  the  4th  Corps,  were  between  Columbia  and  Spring  Hill, 
within  supporting  distances  of  Cox  and  Stanley  and  of  each 
other,  Wood's  division  next  to  Cox's.  The  cavalry  forces  were 
on  Stanley's  left  at  Spring  Hill,  and  between  there  and  Frank 
lin  ;  the  wagon  trains  were  parked  at  Spring  Hill. 

Two  divisions  of  Lee's  corps  of  Hood's  army,  and  all  his 
artillery  and  wagon  trains  were  in  Columbia;  Cheatham's 
and  Stewart's  corps,  and  one  division  of  Lee's,  were  with  Hood 
at  Spring  Hill ;  the  rebel  cavalry  forces  were  on  his  right  and 
at  intermediate  points  between  there  and  Franklin. 

Gen.  Cox  had  been  ordered  to  hold  his  position  until  night 
fall,  and  then  leaving  a  skirmish  line  in  position,  to  march  to 
Spring  Hill,  the  skirmishers  to  remain  until  midnight,  and 
then  join  or  follow -the  rear  guard.  The  picket  line  was 
strengthened  and  the  12th  and  16th  Kentucky  regiments  left 
in  support,  all  in  charge  of  Major  Dow,  of  the  112th  Illinois, 
Inspector  General  of  the  division  ;  and  at  the  request  of  Major 
Dow,  Lieut.  Milchrist  of  Col.  Henderson's  staff  also  remained 
to  assist  him  in  relieving  and  bringing  off  the  skirmish  line. 
At  8  o'clock  the  division  moved  out,  left  in  front,  Henderson's 
brigade  in  advance,  the  112th  Illinois  advance  guard,  the  two 
left  companies,  G  and  B,  thrown  forward,  in  command  of  Capt. 
McCartney,  as  advance  guard  of  the  regiment. 

For  three  nights  the  men  had  not  had  an  hour's  sleep  ;  but 
Gen.  Cox  rode  along  the  line,  informing  them  of  the  necessity 
of  making  a  forced  night  march,  and  encouraging  them  to 
hold  out  to  the  end. 

It  may  seem  incredible,  but  it  is  nevertheless  a  fact,  that 
some  of  the  men  went  to  sleep  while  walking,  on  that  night's 
march,  and  fell  to  the  ground.  The  fall  aroused  them,  and 
they  would  then  get  up  and  stagger  on  again. 

Cox's  division  was  followed  by  Wood's  and  Kimball's,  all 
marching  left  in  front,  so  they  could  come  to  a  front  face  and 
be  in  line  of  battle  ready  to  repel  an  attack. 

The  head  of  the  column  arrived  at  Spring  Hill  at  midnight. 
The  camp  fires  of  Hood's  army  were  dimly  burning  but  a  little 
distance  away,  on  the  right,  and  one  man  actually  rode 'down 
to  one  of  them  to  light  his  pipe,  thinking  they  belonged  to  the 


A  NIGHT  MARCH.  261 

Union  troops.  On  the  left  of  the  pike  the  little  town  was  full 
of  wagons  and  soldiers,  and  in  the  darkness,  everything  seem 
ed  to  be  inextricably  mixed  up  and  in  great  confusion. 

A  volley  from  Hood's  line  was  momentarily  expected,  and  it 
was  thought  next  to  impossible  to  pass  his  front  without  at 
tracting  the  attention  of  his  soldiers  and  drawing  their  fire. 
But  Hood's  army  slept ;  and  our  columns  moved  on  unmolest 
ed.  Later  in  the  night  Hood  was  informed  that  troops  were 
passing  on  the  pike,  and  he  sent  Johnson's  division  of  Lee's 
corps  to  extend  his  lines  across  the  pike  and  stop  the  move 
ment  ;  but  Johnson  failed  to  reach  the  desired  position  and 
the  movement  continued.  Orders  were  passed  down  the  line 
for  the  men  to  make  no  noise  ;  and  silently  and  cautiously  the 
column  moved  forward.  The  night  was  dark,  and  nothing 
could  be  seen  but  the  long  line  of  Hood's  camp  fires  on  the 
right,  extending  far  to  the  north. 

Capt.  McCartney,  in  command  of  the  advance  guard,  de 
tailed  Serg.  Thomas  J.  Townsend,  of  his  company  (G),  and 
eight  men  to  march  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  advance 
of  the  advance  guard,  with  instructions  to  move  very  cautious 
ly,  and  keep  a  sharp  lookout  for  rebels  in  the  road  and  on  the 
flanks,  and  be  careful  not  to  be  drawn  into  a  trap.  Serg. 
Townsend  and  his  squad  were  soon  joined  by  Serg.  Eli  K. 
Mauck,  of  the  same  company.  Presently  they  discovered  a 
dark  object  in  the  road  ahead  of  them.  It  proved  to  be  a  reb 
el  soldier,  a  member  of  the  4th  Florida  regiment ;  but  before 
he  had  time  to  halt  them,  or  give  an  alarm,  Sergs.  Mauck  and 
Townsend  were  upon  him,  and  one  of  them  had  him  by  the 
throat.  He  was  disarmed  and  cautioned  that  if  he  made  any 
noise  or  outcry  it  would  cost  him  his  life,  and  he  was  then 
sent,  under  guard,  back  to  the  main  column. 

Another  rebel  soldier,  seeing  troops  moving,  and  supposing 
them  to  be  Confederates,  walked  up  to  the  pike,  and,  as  the 
column  made  a  temporary  halt,  stepped  up  to  a  mounted  or 
derly  and  commenced  talking  to  him.  The  orderly  quickly 
discovered  that  he  was  a  rebel  soldier,  and  grabbing  him  by 
the  hair  of  the  head  with  one  hand,  at  the  same  time  covering 
him  with  a  revolver  in  the  other,  told  him  if  he  spoke  aloud, 
or  made  the  least  noise,  he  would  blow  his  head  off.  The  as- 


262  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

tonished  rebel  surrendered  in  silence,  and  was  turned  over  to 
the  guard. 

The  head  of  Cox's  division  reached  Franklin  at  4  :30  on  the 
mornirg  of  the  30th,  having  marched  twenty-two  miles  in 
eight  and  a  half  hours,  and  immediately  went  into  position  and 
commenced  building  works.  Wagner's  division  remained  in 
position  at  Spring  Hill  until  all  the  trains  and  troops  had  pass 
ed,  and  then  followed,  leaving  Opdycke's  brigade  as  rearguard, 
which  remained  until  6  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

Franklin  is  situated  on  the  south  side  of  the  Harpeth  River, 
on  low  land  in  a  deep  bend  of  the  river,  enclosing  it  on  three 
sides.  On  the  north  bank  the  ground  is  much  higher  ;*  an  1 
on  a  hill  commanding  the  railroad  and  wagon  bridges  was  an 
old  earthwork  called  Fort  Granger. 

Gen.  Schofield  had  requested  that  pontoons  be  sent  down 
from  Nashville,  but  they  had  not  arrived.  The  wagon  bridge 
was  impassable  and  had  to  be  repaired,  and  the  banks 
of  the  river  were  too  steep  to  ford,  and  it  was  impera 
tive  to  make  a  stand  there  until  crossings  coul;l  be  made  and 
the  trains  moved  to  the  north  side  of  the  river.  By  noon  the 
banks  of  the  river  had  been  scarped  so  as  to  use  the  ford,  some 
old  buildings  torn  down  and  the  lumber  used  for  planking  the 
railroad  bridge,  and  the  wagon  bridge  repaired,  and  the  trains 
began  crossing ;  but  even  then  it  was  slow  work  and  would 
take  until  night  to  move  all  of  them  over. 

Gen.  Schoheld  directed  Gen.  Cox  to  take  command  of  the 
forces  on  the  line,  and  Schoiield  established  his  headquarters 
on  the  hills  north  of  the  river,  where  he  could  look  over  the 
field,  and  watch  the  operations  of  the  cavalry  engaged  on  the 
left  in  preventing  Forrest's  cavalry  from  crossing  the  river  on 
that  flank. 

Wood's  division  of  the  4th  Corps  also  crossed  the  river  and 
occupied  a  position  covering  the  bridges  and  ford,  and  with  it 
the  artillery  of  the  23d  Corps,  which,  being  in  advance,  was 
ordered  to  cross  by  the  ford  to  save  time,  and  the  artillery  of 
the  4th  Corps  reported  to  Gen.  Cox  on  the  line. 

Let  us  now  go  back  and  take  up  the  casualties  of  the  112th 
Illinois. 

When  the  3d  Division  fell  back  from  Columbia  on  the  night 


CAPTURED.  2(>3 

of  the  29th,  Lieut.  Homer  Sherbondy,  of  Co.  C,  112th  Illinois, 
with  a  detail  of  about  forty  men  was  on  picket,  down  the  river, 
near  the  railroad  bridge  where  the  division  had  crossed.  He 
should  have  been  relieved  when  the  skirmish  line  fell  back, 
but  by  some  unaccountable  mistake,  or  inexcusable  blunder, 
he  was  not  informed  of  the  movement,  and  he  and  all  his  men 
were  captured.  Serg.  Henry  B.  Perry,  of  Co.  F  112th  Illinois, 
was  in  charge  of  three  picket  posts  of  four  men  each,  situated 
between  Sherbondy's  line  and  the  right  of  the  line  occupied  by 
the  12th  and  10:li  Kentucky  regiments.  He  was  relieved  by 
Capt.  li.  K.  Miller,  of  the  128th  Indiana,  Acting  Assistant  In 
spector  General  of  the  brigade,  at  half  past  ten  o'clock  in  the 
evening  of  the  2')^h,  and  directed  by  Capt.  Miller  to  fall  back 
and  proceed  011  the  pike  towards  Spring  Hill,  while  he  rode 
down  and  relieved  Lieut.  Sherbondy.  Serg.  Perry  says  he 
overtook  Capt.  Miller,  on  the  pike,  about  a  mile  from  the  riv 
er,  who  said  he  had  not  relieved  Slierbondy  ;  that  he  thought 
it  useless  to  do  so,  as  lie  could  faU  buck  tcitlt  tltc  2nd  Dirisioii. 
As  the  2nd  Division  was  already  at  Spring  Hill,  Slierbondy 
and  his  men  were  left  to  their  fate. 

On  the  morning  of  the  80th  Slierbondy  saw  a  few  rebels  ap 
proaching,  and  inquired  of  them  if  they  were  not  "off  their 
beat,"  and  said  "he  guessed  he  would  take  them  in." 

He  was  informed  that  the  Union  army  had  disappeared,  and 
that  the  Confederates  now  occupied  that  side  of  the  river,  and 
lie  was  invited  to  surrender  to  them.  Looking  up  the  river 
Slierbondy  saw  ample  evidence  of  the  truth  of  the  statement- 
he  was  completely  surrounded  by  rebel  soldiers — and  he  un 
conditionally  surrendered. 

The  112th  Illinois  men  who  were  captured  with  him  were : 

Serg.  William  C.  Schull,  Co.  K ;  also  wounded  (escaped 
Feby  16,  1865) ;  Corporal  John  K.  lienner,  Co.  K:  Corporal 
Ithamer  P.  Miller,  Co.  C  ;  Corporal  John  Corkhill,  Co.  G  ; 
James  McShurry  and  Jesse  B.  Taylor  of  Co.  F  :  LaFayettc 
Gearheart  (died  on  hospital  boat  April  7,  1865)  and  Randolph 
M.  States,  of  Co.  I ;  Augustus  Johnson  of  Co.  C  :  William  C. 
Biggs  and  Jackson  Biggs  of  Co.  K  ;  Philip  Cromain  and  John 
Crowe  of  Co.  G,  and  Ira  F.  Hayden  of  Co.  B — one  lieutenant, 
one  sergeant,  three  corporals  and  ten  men — total,  fifteen. 


264  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

They  were  put  into  an  old  fort  in  Columbia,  and  kept  there 
until  December  14th,  the  day  before  the  battle  of  Nashville 
commenced,  and  then  sent,  with  other  prisoners,  to  Corinth, 
Miss.,  whence  the  commissioned  officers  were  sent  to  Semia, 
Ala.,  and  the  men  to  other  prison  camps.  The  officers  were 
finally  sent  to  Andersonville  and  confined  there  some  time  in 
a  "nigger  pen." 

The  officers  and  men  were  paroled  at  Vicksburg,  about  the 
first  of  April,  1865,  and  sent  to  Parole  Camp  at  St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Lieut.  Sherbondy  was  placed  in  command  of  a  company  of 
paroled  men  and  remained  there  until  the  3d  of  May,  when  he 
was  mustered  out  of  the  service  under  a  general  order  of  the 
War  Department. 

The  men  were  discharged  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  about  the 
first  of  July,  1865.  Some  of  them  arrived  at  LaSalle,  Illinois, 
on  their  way  home,  on  the  evening  of  the  6th,  and  waited 
there  for  the  down  train  from  Chicago.  When  they  boarded 
the  cars,  to  their  great  joy  and  astonishment  they  found  the 
regiment  on  the  train  on  the  way  home,  having  just  been  dis 
charged  at  Chicago. 

They  suffered  the  usual  hardships  and  privations  of  prison 
life  in  rebeldom,  and  Lieut.  Sherbondy  writes  that  while  con 
fined  at  Columbia,  he  saw  men  pay  five  dollars  in  greenbacks 
for  an  ear  of  corn  to  eat. 

Lieut.  C.  W.  Brown,  of  Co.  E,  came  very  near  being  captur 
ed  at  Hurricane,  below  Columbia,  on  the  24th  of  November, 
in  the  same  way  Sherbondy  was  captured.  He  was  in  com 
mand  of  the  skirmish  line,  and  when  the  troops  fell  back  to 
Columbia,  on  the  night  of  the  23d,  was  not  informed  of  the 
movement.  He  found  the  troops  gone  and  the  rebels  advanc 
ing,  in  the  morning,  and  without  waiting  for  orders,  assembled 
his  skirmishers  and  marched  them  back  to  Columbia,  and 
thereby  saved  himself  and  them  from  capture.  And  he  was 
not  too  quick  about  it,  either,  for  as  it  was,  he  barely  escaped 
being  cut  off  from  the  command 

The  officers  of  the  regiment  had  worked  industriously  and 
patiently,  at  Decatur,  to  restore  the  records  of  the  regiment 
and  companies.  New  books  had  been  obtained  and  records 
made,  approximate  reports  made  to  the  Ordnance  and  Quar- 


KEGIMENTAL  RECORDS  CAPTURED.       265 

termaster's  departments,  and  their  accounts  adjusted,  so  that 
henceforth  they  could  keep  correct  accounts  and  make  correct 
reports.  They  had  also  replenished  their  ward-robes,  while 
at  Nashville,  and  purchased  many  other  necessary  articles  for 
field  and  camp  use.  All  these — records,  clothing,  except  the 
fatigue  suits  they  were  wearing,  baggage  of  every  kind 
--were  again  captured  by  the  enemy  and  destroyed  on  the 
night  march  from  Columbia  to  Franklin.  The  rebel  cav 
alry  made  a  dash  on  the  trains  between  Spring  Hill  and 
Franklin,  and  captured  a  number  of  wagons.  They  were  soon 
driven  off,  but  not  until  they  had  destroyed  several  wagons 
and  their  contents,  and  among  them,  unfortunately  for  us, 
was  the  112th  Illinois  wagon,  and  the  regiment  was  again  des 
titute  of  records,  and  the  officers  of  clothing  and  baggage. 

The  rebels  also  made  a  dash  upon  a  drove  of  beef  cattle,  in 
charge  of  Ephraim  W.  Smith,  of  Co.  F,  112th  Illinois,  at 
Thompson's  Station,  and  created  considerable  excitement 
among  the  drivers,  as  well  as  the  cattle.  They  captured  about 
fifty  head  of  the  cattle  and  succeeded  in  getting  away  with 
them  ;  but  the  timely  arrival  of  Union  cavalry  saved  the  re 
mainder  of  the  drove. 


CHAPTER  XXIT. 

THE    BATTLE    OF   FRANKLIN. 

HOOD?S   ASSAULT   UPON    THE    NATIONAL   LINES. 

REPULSED  WITH  GREAT  LOSS— SANGUINARY  AND  DESPERATE  CONFLICT. 
THE    BATTLE    FROM    A    CONFEDERATE    STAND-POINT. 

The  line  of  defense  selected  by  Gen.  Cox  at  Franklin  was  on 
a  curve ;  the  left  at  a  railroad  cut  near  the  river,  the  center 
on  the  Columbia  Pike,  a  few  rods  in  front  of  a  dwelling  house 
occupied  by  a  Mr.  Carter,  on  a  knoll,  and  the  right  swinging 
back  to  the  river.  At  the  pike  the  full  width  of  the  road  was 
left  open,  to  allow  double  lines  of  wragons  and  artillery  to  pass, 
and  a  retrenchment  was  made  a  few  rods  in  rear  to  command 
the  opening. 

The  3d  Division  of  the  23d  Corps,  Gen.  Reilly  in  temporary 
command,  occupied  the  line  on  the  left,  extending  from  the 
river  to  the  Columbia  Pike.  Col.  Henderson's  brigade  was  on 
the  left— the  three  Indiana  regiments  in  the  front  line,  the 
120th  on  the  left,  its  left  slightly  retired,  the  63d  in  the  center, 
and  the  128th  on  the  right,  and  the  112th  Illinois  a  few  rods 
to  the  rear  in  reserve. 

In  marching  or  making  other  movements,  the  divisions  of  a 
corps,  brigades  of  a  division,  and  regiments  of  a  brigade  usu 
ally  change  position  in  the  column  every  time  a  movement  is 
made.  .  The  division  in  front  one  day  takes  the  rear  the  next ; 
the  brigade  in  advance  changes  to  the  rear  of  the  division ; 
and  the  leading  regiment  of  each  brigade  is  the  rear  regiment 
the  next  day,  and  is  placed  in  reserve  in  case  the  command 
goes  into  position.  The  112th  Illinois  was  the  leading  regi 
ment  of  the  brigade  on  the  29th,  and  therefore  its  place  on  the 
30th  wras  to  the  rear,  or  in  reserve. 

Pveilly's  own  brigade  w7as  on  the  right  of  the  division,  its  right 


POSITION  AT  FKANKLIN.  267 

resting  on  the  Columbia  Pike  ;  and  Casement's  brigade  occupi 
ed  the  center.  The  12th  and  16th  Kentucky  regiments  of 
Keilly's  brigade,  left  on  Duck  Kiver  at  Columbia,  arrived  at 
Franklin  after  the  line  was  occupied,  and  were  placed  with 
the  8th  Tennessee  in  reserve. 

Buger's  two  brigades  of  the  2nd  Division  extended  from  the 
Columbia  Pike  west  to  the  Carter's  Creek  Pike— Strickland's 
brigade  on  the  left,  its  left  resting  on  the  Columbia  Pike,  and 
Moore's  brigade  on  the  right.  Gen.  Cox's  force  was  not  suffi 
cient  to  reach  to  the  river  on  the  right,  and  Kimball's  division 
of  the  4th  Corps  was  ordered  to  report  to  him,  and  was  placed 
on  the  right  flank,  extending  to  the  river. 

Opdycke's  brigade  of  Wagner's  division,  which  had  been 
rear  guard,  was  placed  in  reserve  on  the  west  side  of  the  Co 
lumbia  Pike  ;  and  Wagner  with  his  two  other  brigades,  Lane's 
and  Conrad's,  occupied  a  position  in  air,  across  the  Columbia 
Pike,  nearly  half  a  mile  in  front  of  the  principal  line,  where 
he  was  directed  to  remain  in  observation  until  Hood  should 
advance,  and  then  retire  within  the  lines  as  a  general  reserve. 
The  ground  in  front  of  the  line  was  an  open  plain,  descending 
gently  to  the  south. 

In  front  of  Henderson's  brigade  was  a  heavy  osage  orange 
hedge,  which  Gen.  Cox  ordered  cut  down  and  the  brush  used 
in  making  an  abattis  along  the  front  of  the  division  ;  but  at 
the  suggestion  of  Lieut.  Col.  Bond,  the  hedge  was  thinned  out 
and  the  brush  used  in  front  of  the  other  brigades,  and  the  re 
maining  hedge  cut  half  off,  about  four  feet  high,  and  bent  down 
to  the  ground,  making  an  impassable  barrier. 

In  front  of  the  2nd  Division  a  young  locust  grove  was  cut 
down  and  the  brush  used  in  making  an  abattis. 

The  breast-works  were  light  and  hastily  constructed.  In 
fact  it  was  not  believed  theie  vumkl  l,e  any  use  for  them.  The 
tiains  were  moving  across  the  river,  and  all  would  be  over  by 
dark;  and  Gen.  Schoheld  had  given  directions  for  the  troops 
to  commence  crossing  at  six  o'clock.  It  was  not  believed  by 
many  of  the  general  officers  that  Hood  would  attack  ;  but  lat 
er  in  the  day  those  who  doubted  were  convinced. 

The  number  of  the  4th  Corps  reported ''present  for  duty"  on 
the  30th  of  November,  1864,  was  sixteen  thousand  two  him- 


268  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

dred  commissioned  officers  and  enlisted  men.  The  largest  di 
vision  (Wood's)  was  on  the  north  side  of  the  Harpeth,  and  the 
two  divisions  with  Cox  probably  did  not  exceed  in  numbers 
ten  thousand  men. 

The  two  divisions  of  the  23d  Corps  reported,  on  the  same 
day,  ten  thousand  and  thirty-three  commissioned  officers  and 
enlisted  men  "present  for  duty."  One  brigade  was  at  Centre- 
ville,  so  that  Gen.  Cox  had  under  his  immediate  command 
south  of  the  Harpeth  not  far  from  eighteen  thousand  men  of 
all  ranks  and  arms. 

Against  this  line  Hood  was  .advancing  with  three  corps  of 
three  divisions  each,  of  infantry  and  artillery,  numbering  over 
forty  thousand  men,  and  a  considerable  force  of  cavalry  to 
cover  his  flanks,  in  addition  to  the  cavalry  force  operating 
against  Wilson  and  Hatch — #11  seasoned  veterans  whom  Sher 
man  had  been  pounding  all  summer,  and  as  brave  an  army  as 
ever  fired  a  shot  or  kept  step  to  the  beat  of  a  drum. 

About  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  rebel  columns  could 
be  seen  moving  over  the  range  of  hills  south  of  the  level  plain 
and  forming  in  heavy  force.  The  author  has  a  vivid  recollec 
tion  of  standing  on  a  knoll  in  the  line  of  the  3d  Brigade,  with 
Col.  Henderson  and  others,  and  viewing  them  through  a  field 
glass  as  they  moved  their  columns  into  line. 

On  they  came,  a  solid  mass  of  gray,  Cheatham's  corps  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Columbia  Pike,  Stewart's  on  the  east,  and 
Lee's  in  close  support  in  reserve.  Hood  himself  was  seen  to 
ride  up  the  turnpike  with  his  staff,  and  some  of  his  men  who 
were  afterwards  captured,  said  he  made  them  a  speech.  Point 
ing  to  the  Union  line  he  said  :  "Soldiers  of  the  Confederacy, 
there  is  the  line  of  the  enemy.  There  is  nothing  but  that  line 
between  you  and  the  Ohio  River.  Break  that  line,  and  the 
Ohio  is  open  to  you." 

Nearer  and  nearer  they  came,  advancing  at  quick  step,  with 
trailed  arms,  a  solid  array  of  men,  with  a  mile  and  a  half 
front,  moving  steadily,  firmly,  grandly  forward.  It  was  a  mo 
ment  of  intense  anxiety.  Every  Union  soldier  in  the  line  un 
derstood  the  situation  and  prepared  to  meet  it.  The  Harpeth 
River  was  at  his  back,  and  Hood's  whole  army  of  veteran  sol 
diers  in  his  front. 


THE    ASSAULT  OF  HOOD'S  ABMY.  269 

At  4  o'clock  the  clash  came.  As  soon  as  their  artillery  was 
within  range  it  unlimbered  and  opened  fire.  "Down  in  front," 
and  the  men  climbed  off  the  breastworks  "into  the  trenches. 
The  Union  artillery  poured  shot  and  shell  into  their  ranks,  but 
they  closed  up  the  gaps  and  moved  steadily  forward.  As  they 
approached  Wagner's  line,  in  front,  his  artillery  limbered  up 
and  moved  within  the  lines,  in  accordance  with  previous  or 
ders  :  but  Wagner's  infantry  opened  fire.  In  a  moment  the 
flanks  of  his  short  line  were  enveloped  by  the  rebel  lines  on  the 
right  and  left,  and  his  men  broke  and  ran.  With  a  rush  and 
a  yell  the  rebels  followed.  Wagner's  men  formed  an  effectual 
screen  for  the  rebels,  and  protected  them  from  any  fire  from 
the  center ;  but  a  heavy  fire  was  poured  into  them  from  the 
right  and  left.  In  a  few  seconds  the  flying  mass  of  Union  and 
rebel  soldiers,  mixed  together,  came  surging  over  the  works 
near  the  pike,  like  a  whirlwind,  and  the  right  of  Eeilly's  line 
and  left  of  Strickland's  gave  way  under  the  shock,  and  the 
men  were  swept  as  by  a  cyclone  from  the  works.  With  cheers 
and  yells  the  rebels  came  flying  over  the  parapet.  They  cap 
tured  the  guns  in  the  center,  loaded  with  grape  and  canister, 
and  turned  them  upon  the  flank  of  Eeilly's  division  ;  but  the 
horses  having  become  frightened  at  the  melee  ran  off  with 
the  ammunition  chests  containing  the  primers,  the  guns  could 
not  be  fired.  But  in  a  moment  Opdycke's  brigade  and  Eeilly's 
three  regiments  in  reserve  were  upon  them.  They  charged 
right  into  the  surging  mass  of  rebels  ;  Eeilly's  and  Strickland's 
men  rallied,  and  after  a  fierce  and  desperate  struggle  the  guns 
were  retaken,  the  rebels  checked  in  their  headlong  charge,  and 
all  who  had  gained  the  inside  of  the  works  were  killed  or  cap 
tured.  It  was  a  moment  of  intense  anxiety  and  suspense. 
Every  man  of  the  112th  Illinois,  the  reserve  of  Henderson's 
brigade,  was  upon  his  feet,  looking  with  breathless  anx'ety 
upon  the  furious  struggle,  but  denied  the  honor  of  taking  part 
in  it. 

While  this  desperate  contest  was  going  on  in  the  center,  there 
was  no  idleness  on  other  parts  of  the  line.  In  front  of  Hen 
derson's  brigade  the  rebels  charged  up  to  the  osage  hedge,  and 
as  that  was  impassable,  they  attempted  to  move  by  the  flank 
through  a  gateway  in  the  hedge.  But  the  120th  Indiana  con- 


272  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

eral,  remained  in  the  trenches  until  all  the  troops  had  crossed 
and  removed  the  plank  from  the  wagon  bridge,  when  the  skirm 
ishers  followed,  and  crossed  by  the  railroad  bridge. 

Our  dead  and  many  of  the  wounded  were  left  on  the  battle 
field.  The  Union  killed,  and  those  who  were  mortally  wound 
ed  and  left  upon  the  field  and  died  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy, 
were  buried  by  the  rebels,  in  trenches,  three  or  four  deep. 
After  the  war  their  remains  were  removed,  and  interred  in  the 
United  States  National  Cemetery  at  Madison,  near  Nashville. 
Very  few  of  them  could  be  identified,  and  consequently  their 
graves  are  marked  "unknown."  All  of  the  112th  are  among 
the  unknown,  except  Edward  K.  Petrie,  of  Co.  C,  who  was  car 
ried  off  the  field  by  his  brother,  Lieut.  A.  P.  Petrie,  and  his 
remains  sent  home. 

Wood's  division  on  the  north  side  covered  the  crossings,  and 
when  all  were  over,  brought  up  the  rear.  The  command  mov 
ed  back  to  Brentwood  Hills  and  halted  for  breakfast,  and  then 
proceeded  to  Nashville,  arriving  there  at  noon  on  the  first  day 
of  December,  and  immediately  went  into  position. 

The  losses  on  the  Union  side  were  two  thousand  three  hun 
dred  and  twenty-six,  of  which  nearly  one-half  were  in  Wag 
ner's  two  brigades,  which  were  out  in  front.  The  losses  of 
the  112th  Illinois  were  seven  killed  and  mortally  wounded, 
twenty  wounded,  and  two  captured. 

The  Confederate  losses  were  about  seven  thousand,  of  which 
about  seven  hundred  were  prisoners — captured  when  they 
broke  the  line  in  the  center. 

Among  the  killed  were  twelve  generals  and  a  long  list  of 
colonels  and  field  officers,  many  of  whom  were  killed  within  a 
few  yards  of  the  Union  line.  In  one  brigade  every  general  and 
field  officer  was  either  killed  or  severely  wounded,  and  the  bri 
gade  went  out  of  the  fight  in  command  of  a  captain. 

It  was  one  of  the  most  desperate  and  savage  battles  of  the 
war.  Reilly's  division  captured  and  carried  off  twenty-two' 
battle  flags,  and  Opdycke's  brigade  ten,  as  trophies  of  the  ter 
rible  conflict.  The  loss  of  the  three  Indiana  regiments  in  Hen 
derson's  brigade  was  five  commissioned  officers — among  whom 
was  Major  Eraser — and  nine  men  killed,  forty-six  wounded 
and  twenty  missing. 


LIST  OF  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED.  273 

The  casualties  in  the  112th  Illinois  were  as  follows: 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded — Co.  A,  James  Caughey  (mor 
tally  wounded,  died  Dec.  8d),  Patrick  Kenney  (mortally  wound 
ed,  died  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy  Dec.  6th),  Milton  Barton 
and  Frederick  A.  Woodruff. 

Co.  F — John  W.  Curfman  (mortally  wounded — left  on  the 
Held,  and  died  in  rebel  hospital  Dec.  10). 

Co.  C— Edward  R.  Petrie. 

Co-  B— Elias  Miller. 

Wounded — Lieut.  Col.  E.  S.  Bond,  and  Adjutant  B.  F. 
Thompson,  both  slightly. 

Co.  A — Lieut.  Leander  U.  Browning,  severely;  First  Serg. 
Jesse  Goble,  slightly;  Jerome  T.  Kepler,  severely  ;  and  William 
Patten,  John  Willett  and  Stephen  L.  Blankenship,  all  slightly. 

Co.  F — Henry  S.  Stone,  severely. 

Co.  D — Capt.  A.  A.  Dunn,  severely;  Serg.  John  S.  Farn- 
ham,  severely,  (by  being  thrown  off  the  bridge)  ;  Edward 
Woolever,  severely. 

Co.  I — Jacob  Barnhart,  severely. 

Co.  C — Capt.  J.  B.  Mitchell,  James  E.  Ayers  and  Benjamin 
P.  Scoville,  all  slightly. 

Co.  H — Lieut.  Jesse  Newman,  severely,  and  Serg.  John  L. 
Jennings. 

Co.  K — John  Adams  and  Joseph  Clough. 

Captured— Thomas  E.  Mathews  and  Alonzo  Rockefeller  of 
Co.  A. 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded — seven  ;  wounded — twenty  ; 
captured — two  ;  total — twenty-nine. 

Milton  Barton  and  Frederick  A.  Woodruff,  of  Co.  A,  were 
at  the  time  reported  "missing",  but  it  was  afterwards  learned 
that  both  had  been  killed.  By  special  direction  of  Gen.  Cox, 
Co.  D,  in  command  of  Capt.  Dunn,  was  detailed  as  the  provost 
guard,  and  assigned  to  duty  in  the  town;  and  it  was  while 
performing  this  duty  that  Capt.  Dunn  was  wounded.  It  was 
a  dangerous  and  delicate  duty,  and  the  selection  of  Capt. 
Dunn  and  his  company,  by  the  commanding  general,  for  its 
performance,  was  a  high  and  deserved  compliment  to  both. 

Capt.  Dunn  was  struck  in  the  forehead  by  a  piece  of  shell, 
—  IS 


274  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  the  outer  rim  of  the  skull  was  literally  broken  and  crush 
ed  in.  He  was  carried  off  the  field  apparently  dead,  and  after 
he  returned  to  consciousness  was  supposed  to  be  mortally 
wounded ;  but  his  wonderful  recuperative  powers  carried  him 
through,  and  in  a  few  months  he  was  back  to  the  regiment 
and  reported  himself  "present  for  duty."  Ho  never  fully  re 
covered  from  the  wound,  however,  and  died  at  Chicago,  Illinois, 
on  the  third  day  of  March,  1869,  by  reason  of  it.  He  was  a 
brave  and  efficient  officer ;  strict  in  discipline,  but  kind  and 
attentive  to  the  wants  of  his  men  ;  and  as  generous  and  noble- 
hearted  as  he  was  brave  and  determined. 

Lieut.  Col.  Bond's  wound  proved  to  be  more  serious  than 
was  at  first  anticipated,  and  he  was  compelled  to  resign  the 
command  of  the  regiment  to  Capt.  S.  F.  Otman,  the  senior 
captain.  Capt.  Otman  commanded  the  regiment  during  the 
rest  of  the  engagement  at  Franklin,  and  on  the  retreat  to 
Nashville,  and  on  the  two  days  battle  of  Nashville,  in  Decem 
ber,  and  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood.  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  rejoined 
the  regiment  at  Clifton,  on  the  Tennessee  Paver,  on  the  14th 
of  January,  1865,  but  die?  not  resume  command  until  the  regi 
ment  reached  Cincinnati  a  few  days  later. 

Thomas  E.  Mathews  and  Alonzo  Rockefeller,  who  were  cap 
tured,  had  pushed  forward  so  near  the  enemy's  line  that  they 
could  not  get  out,  and  they  climbed  over  the  rebel  works  and 
surrendered.  They  were  sent  back  to  Columbia  on  the  3d  of 
December,  and  there  joined  those  who  had  been  captured  on 
the  river  at  Columbia — Lieut.  Sherbondy  and  his  squad. 
They  were  sent  south,  'and  after  bein*  move;!  from  place  to 
place,  finally  landed  in  Andersonville  on  the  17th  of  February, 
1865.  From  Andersonville  Mathews  and  .Rockefeller,  with 
some  others,  were  sent  to  Jacksonville,"  Florida,  where  they 
were  paroled  on  the  28th  of  April,  1865,  and  sent,  by  way  of 
Annapolis,  Md.,  to  the  parole  camp  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where 
they  were  discharged,  without  having  been  exchanged — the 
collapse  of  the  Southern  Confederacy  rendering  an  exchange 
unnecessary. 

Since  writing  the  foregoing  the  author  has  received  a  copy 
of  the  Nonthern  Birouctc,  containing  an  interesting  article  on 
the  Battle  of  Franklin  from  a  Confederate  stand-point,  written 


FROM  THE  "SOUTHERN  BIVOUAC."  275 

by  Major  D.  W.  Sanders,  A.  A.  G.  of  French's  division,  Stew 
art's  corps,  of  Hood's  army,  from  which  he  takes  the  following 
extract : 

"General  Hood  resolved  of  his  own  volition  to  fight  the  bat 
tle  of  Franklin,  and  made  his  disposition  for  battle  with  a  con 
fidence  which  evinced  his  belief  in  the  intrepidity  of  his  troops. 
With  undaunted  reliance  he  massed  his  forces  and  delivered 
the  most  gallantly  contested  and  sanguinary  battle  of  the  war, 
when  the  number  of  troops  engaged  and  the  duration  of  the 
conflict  are  considered. 

"The  Held  of  Franklin  on  the  afternoon  of  November  30, 
1801,  presented  the  most  imposing  martial  display  that  occur 
red  during  the  war.  Eighteen  brigades  of  infantry,  with  cor 
responding  cavalry  supports  (though  deficient  in  complement 
of  artillery),  in  full  view  of  their  commanding  generals,  and  of 
each  other,  and  also  in  full  view  of  the  enemy  occupying  an 
intrenched  line,  which  he  is  resolved  to  hold  to  the  last  ex 
tremity,  deliberately  surveyed  the  impressive  situation.  Not 
a  cloud  obscured  the  autumn  sun,  which  shone  upon  the 
beautiful  plain  with  its  gentle  slopes,  over  which  they  must 
pass  to  engage  in  mortal  strife  in  the  supreme  effort  to  carry 
a  strongly  fortified  line  by  a  most  reckless  and  daring  assault. 

"At  four  o'clock  General  Hood  ordered  his  troops  to  the  as 
sault.  The  right,  under  cover  of  Guibor's  artillery,  moved  for 
ward  in  gallant  style.  The  troops  moved 
on  converging  lines  and  charged  the  works,  with  Brown's  di 
vision  on  the  right  of  the  Columbia  turnpike,  with  French's, 
Walthall's  and  Loring's  divisions  constituting  the  right  of  the 
advancing  line.  The  assault  was  made  with  the  characteris 
tic  dm  of  veteran  troops.  Brown  and  Cleburne  overwhelmed 
Lane's  and  Conrad's  brigades  in  their  front,  while  French, 
Walthall  and  Loring,  although  suffering  severely  from  the  ter 
rible  fire  on  the  left  of  the  intrenched  line  and  the  eight-gun 
batteiy  on  the  north  side  of  the  Harpeth,  enveloped  their  left 
Hank,  enabling  Brown  and  Cleburne  to  hurl  them  in  a  disor 
ganized  and  routed  mass  on  and  over  the  center  of  their  works, 
breaking  through  three  hundred  yards  of  lingers  and  two 
Imndu'd  yards  of  Eeilly's  intrenched  line.  Quick  to  perceive 
the  advantage  thus  won,  they  pressed  the  pursuit  over  and 


274  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  the  outer  rim  of  the  skull  was  literally  broken  and  crush 
ed  in.  He  was  carried  off  the  field  apparently  dead,  and  after 
he  returned  to  consciousness  was  supposed  to  be  mortally 
wounded  ;  but  his  wonderful  recuperative  powers  carried  him 
through,  and  in  a  few  months  he  was  back  to  the  regiment 
and  reported  himself  "present  for  duty."  He  never  fully  re 
covered  from  the  wound,  however,  and  died  at  Chicago,  Illinois, 
on  the  third  day  of  March,  1869,  by  reason  of  it.  He  was  a 
brave  and  efficient  officer ;  strict  in  discipline,  but  kind  and 
attentive  to  the  wants  of  his  men ;  and  as  generous  and  noble- 
hearted  as  he  was  brave  and  determined. 

Lieut.  Col.  Bond's  wound  proved  to  be  more  serious  than 
was  at  first  anticipated,  and  he  was  compelled  to  resign  the 
command  of  the  regiment  to  Capt.  S.  F.  Otman,  the  senior 
captain.  Capt.  Otman  commanded  the  regiment  during  the 
rest  of  the  engagement  at  Franklin,  and  on  the  retreat  to 
Nashville,  and  on  the  two  days  battle  of  Nashville,  in  Decem 
ber,  and  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood.  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  rejoined 
the  regiment  at  Clifton,  on  the  Tennessee  luver,  on  the  14th 
of  January,  1865,  but  did*  not  resume  command  until  the  regi 
ment  reached  Cincinnati  a  few  days  later. 

Thomas  E.  Mathews  and  Alonzo  Rockefeller,  who  were  cap 
tured,  had  pushed  forward  so  near  the  enemy's  line  that  they 
could  not  get  out,  and  they  climbed  over  the  rebel  works  and 
surrendered.  They  were  sent  back  to  Columbia  on  the  3d  of 
December,  and  there  joined  those  who  had  been  captured  on 
the  river  at  Columbia — Lieut.  Sherbondy  and  his  squad. 
They  were  sent  south,  'and  after  bein?  moved  from  place  to 
place,  finally  landed  in  Andersonville  on  the  17th  of  February, 
1865.  From  Andersonville  Mathews  and  Rockefeller,  with 
some  others,  were  sent  to  Jacksonville,'  Florida,  where  they 
were  paroled  on  the  28th  of  April,  1865,  and  sent,  by  way  of 
Annapolis,  Md.,  to  the  parole  camp  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where 
they  were  discharged,  without  having  been  exchanged— the 
collapse  of  the  Southern  Confederacy  rendering  an  exchange 
unnecessary. 

Since  writing  the  foregoing  the  author  has  received  a  copy 
of  the  Southern  Birouac,  containing  an  interesting  article  on 
the  Battle  of  Franklin  from  a  Confederate  stand-point,  written 


FROM  THE  "SOUTHERN  BIVOUAC."  275 

by  Major  D.  W.  Sanders,  A.  A.  G.  of  French's  division,  Stew 
art's  corps,  of  Hood's  army,  from  which  lie  takes  the  following 
extract : 

"General  Hood  resolved  of  his  own  volition  to  fight  the  bat 
tle  of  Franklin,  and  made  his  disposition  for  battle  with  a  con 
fidence  which  evinced  his  belief  in  the  intrepidity  of  his  troops. 
With  undaunted  reliance  he  massed  his  forces  and  delivered 
the  most  gallantly  contested  and  sanguinary  battle  of  the  war, 
when  the  number  of  troops  engaged  and  the  duration  of  the 
conflict  are  considered. 

"The  Held  of  Franklin  on  the  afternoon  of  November  30, 
1861,  presented  the  most  imposing  martial  display  that  occur 
red  during  the  war.  Eighteen  brigades  of  infantry,  with  cor 
responding  cavalry  supports  (though  deficient  in  complement 
of  artillery),  in  full  view  of  their  commanding  generals,  and  of 
each  other,  and  also  in  full  view  of  the  enemy  occupying  an 
intrenched  line,  which  he  is  resolved  to  hold  to  the  last  ex 
tremity,  deliberately  surveyed  the  impressive  situation.  Not 
a  cloud  obscured  the  autumn  sun,  which  shone  upon  the 
beautiful  plain  with  its  gentle  slopes,  over  which  they  must 
pass  to  engage  in  mortal  strife  in  the  supreme  effort  to  carry 
a  strongly  fortified  line  by  a  most  reckless  and  daring  assault. 

"At  four  o'clock  General  Hood  ordered  his  troops  to  the  as 
sault.  The  right,  under  cover  of  Guibor's  artillery,  moved  for 
ward  in  gallant  style.  The  troops  moved 
on  converging  lines  and  charged  the  works,  with  Brown's  di 
vision  on  the  right  of  the  Columbia  turnpike,  with  French's, 
WalthaH's  and  Loring's  divisions  constituting  the  right  of  the 
advancing  line.  The  assault  was  made  with  the  characteris 
tic  cltui  of  veteran  troops.  Brown  and  Cleburne  overwhelmed 
Lane's  and  Conrad's  brigades  in  their  front,  while  French, 
Walthall  and  Loring,  although  suffering  severely  from  the  ter 
rible  live  on  the  left  of  the  intrenched  line  and  the  eight-gun 
battery  on  the  north  side  of  the  Harpeth,  enveloped  their  left 
flank,  enabling  Brown  and  Cleburne  to  hurl  them  in  a  disor 
ganized  and  routed  mass  on  and  over  the  center  of  their  works, 
breaking  through  three  hundred  yards  of  lingers  and  two 
hundred  yards  of  Reilly's  intrenched  line.  Quick  to  perceive 
the  advantage  thus  won,  they  pressed  the  pursuit  over  and 


276  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

within  the  main  works,  and  Gordon,  penetrating  with  a  part 
of  his  brigade  within  the  intrenched  line  beyond  the  Carter 
house,  was  ultimately  captured.  Gist's  brigade,  notwithstand 
ing  the  locust  abatis  in  the  front,  reached  the  intrenched  line 
and  held  it.  Folk's,  Govan's  and  Granberry's  brigades  car 
ried  the  intrenched  line  at  and  to  the  right  of  the  Columbia 
Pike,  including  the  angle  near  the  gin-house,  routing  the  100th 
ancPl04tli  Ohio  regiments.  Two  four-gun  batteries,  loaded, 
were  captured  in  this  assault,  turned  on  the  enemy  and  serv 
ed  as  long  as  the  limited  ammunition  lasted.  (This  is  a  mis 
take.  The  guns  were  not  fired.)  French's  division,  in  front 
of  the  gin-house,  assaulted  with  indomitable  bravery,  and  car 
ried  a  portion  of  Beilly's  defensive  works.  Sears'  brigade  was 
torn  and  mutilated  in  the  assault,  and  gallant  Colonel  Wither- 
spoon  of  the  36th  Mississippi,  lay  dead  on  the  immediate  right 
of  the  captured  artillery.  Cockrell,  with  two  severe  wounds, 
was  prostrated  on  the  field,  and  Colonel  Gates  assumed  com 
mand—when  immediately  he  lost  one  of  his  arms,  and  was 
severely  wounded  in  the  other.  Thus  disabled,  with  his  arms 
hanging  limp,  this  iron  soldier  sat  on  his  horse  and  followed 
the  movements  of  the  historic  Missouri  brigade  over  a  field 
swept  by  a  storm  of  shot,  shell  and  musketry. 

"Walthall  and  Loring,  in  the  meantime,  charged  heroically 
the  intrenched  line  protected  by  an  osage-orange  abatis.  In 
Walthall's  front  Casement's  celebrated  brigade  was  posted, 
armed  with  improved  repeating  rifles.  This  portion  of  the  in 
trenched  line,  in  addition  to  the  formidable  osage-orange  abat 
is,  was  provided  with  artillery  supported  by  the  heavy  guns  of 
Fort  Granger  and  an  eight-gun  battery  on  the  north  side  of 
Harpeth  Biver,  which  delivered  an  effective  cross  and  enfilad 
ing  fire  into  the  assaulting  lines  of  both  Walthall  and  Loring. 
Notwithstanding  the  right  fiank  of  Casement  was  left  uncover 
ed  by  reason  of  the  successful  assault  at  the  center  and  gin- 
honse,  that  command  stood  firm,  and  concentrated  its  terrible 
fire  on  Walthall's  advancing  division.  In  truth  the  fire  of  this 
line  was  a  continuing  fringe  of  flame  because  of  the  extraordi 
nary  rapidity  with  which  their  improved  arms  facilitated 
its  delivery,  which  wrought  fearful  and  devastating  effect  on 
the  advancing  force.  Quarles  fell  fearfully  wounded,  with  all 


FROM  THE  "SOUTHERN  BIVOUAC."  277 

of  his  staff  dead  around  him,  his  field  officers  killed  or  wound 
ed,  and  a  captain,  as  ranking  officer,  assumed  command  of 
his  brigade. 

"The  decimated  brigades  of  Reynolds,  Shelley  and  Quarles 
succeeded  in  reaching  the  osage-orange  abatis,  and  were  in  a 
manner  impaled  in  its  fatal  meshes  in  their  gallant  though 
hopeless  struggle  to  penetrate  it.  Shelley,  however,  with  a 
few  officers  and  men,  succeeded  in  reaching  the  ditch  in  front 
of  the  works,  but  the  impetus  of  the  grand  charge  wras  check 
ed,  and  the  mutilated  division  recoiled  under  a  fire  which 
neither  heroism  nor  gallantry  could  overcome.  Walthall  had 
two  horses  killed  under  him,  but  was  furnished  remounts  by 
the  casualties  in  his  staff,  which  enabled  him  to  retire  his 
command  in  good  order,  an  extraordinary  achievement,  con 
sidering  the  fact,  that  in  the  fearful  conflict  bet\veen  him  and 
Casement,  never  before  in  the  history  of  war  did  a  command 
cf  the  approximate  strength  of  Casement's  in  as  short  a  period 
of  time  kill  and  wound  as  many  men. 

"Loring,  with  Featherstone's,  Adams'  and  Scott's  brigades, 
simultaneously  with  Walthall,  vigorously  assaulted  Henderson 
in  his  strongly  intrenched  position,  also  protected  by  an  osage- 
orange  abatis,  which  was  defended  with  great  courage. 

"Scott  was  disabled  by  a  shell  early  in  the  charge,  when 
Colonel  Snodgrass  succeeded  to  his  command.  Adams,  in  re 
serve,  leading  the  charge  of  his  brigade  to  the  left  of  Feather- 
stone,  where  the  space  was  open  for  a  short  distance,  not  pro 
tected  by  abatis,  was  killed,  horse  and  rider  falling  over  the 
works. 

"Featherstone,  on  the  extreme  right,  leading  his  brigade 
through  a  destructive  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry,  reached 
the  abatis,  but  exhausted  by  heavy  losses,  was  unable  to  main 
tain  his  position,  and  sullenly  retired,  leaving  many  gallant 
officers  and  men  in  front  of  the  works,  among  whom  was  the 
heroic  Col.  Dyer,  3d  Mississippi. 

"The  divisions  on  the  right,  thus  repulsed,  with  unimpaired 
morale  retired  in  good  order.  To  preserve  morale  after  a  severe 
repulse  is  difficult  in  every  instance,  but  in  this  particular  in 
stance,  after  sustaining  unprecedented  loss,  and  under  such 
continuous  fire,  with  a  cross  and  enfilading  fire  from  heavy^ar- 


278  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

tillery  supports,  the  movement  was  of  infinite  hazard  and  dif 
ficulty. 

"When  the  line  of  defense  had  been  broken  by  the  assaulting 
force,  and  the  center  captured,  concurring  at  the  time  of 
French,  Walthall  and  Loring's  grand  charge,  Opdycke's  bri 
gade,  in  reserve  in  rear  of  Kuger's  left  near  the  Carter  house, 
and  the  l'2th  and  16th  Kentucky  and  8th  Tennessee  regiments, 
in  reserve  in  rear  of  Keilly's  right,  and  near  the  gin-house,  at 
once  rushed  to  the  captured  line,  and  in  a  fierce  and  bloody 
combat,  heroically  regained  the  retrenched  line  at  the  Colum 
bia  Pike,  the  angle  and  left  to  the  gin-house,  and  held  it.  Cox 
and  Stanley  promptly  rallied  Strickland's,  Lane's  and  Con 
rad's  brigades,  brought  them  to  the  support  of  the  reserves, 
engaged  in  a  hand  to  hand  combat,  on  the  works  at  the  cen 
ter,  when  Major  General  Cleburne,  in  the  meridian  splendor 
of  his  martial  fame,  leading  the  charge  of  his  superb  division,, 
which  had  just  planted  their  battle  colors  on  the  captured 
works,  was  killed,  in  front  of  the  Kith  Kentucky,  at  the  Co 
lumbia  Pike,  about  thirty  paces  from  the  intrenched  line. 

"The  conflict  raged  with  intense  fury,  as  every  m oin^ii':  in 
creased  the  strength  of  the  enemy  and  diminished  that  of  the 
assaulting  force.  The  struggle  for  the  possession  of  tli3  works 
was  maintained  with  great  stubbornness  and  tenacity,  and  the. 
combatants,  in  the  fury  of  the  bloody  strife,  fought  with  bayon 
ets  and  clubbed  muskets. 

"These  reserves  saved  the  day  to  Schofieltl,  and  rescue:!  the 
broken  and  captured  center  of  his  line  with  a  gallantry  and 
heroism  reflecting  honor  on  the  uniform  they  wore  and  the 
flag  under  which  they  fought. 

"Brown's  division  held  the  line  captured  from  Strickland's 
brigade  of  Euger's  division  at  the  locust  almi'r^  and  tli3  strug 
gle  for  the  recovery  of  the  works  was  most  bloody  and  pro 
longed.  Gist's  and  Gordon's  brigades,  with  undaunted  cour 
age,  held  the  works  they  captured. 

"Gist  was  killed,  Gordon  captured,  and  Brown,  with  heroic 
resolution,  threw  into  the  vortex  of  battle  his  reserves,  compos 
ed  of  Strain" s  and  Carter's  brigades.  Fierce,  bloody,  and  con 
tinuous  was  the  fight'.  Brown  continued  to  hold  the  works, 
when  the  assaulting  forces  on  his  right^were  repulsed  with  up- 


FR'')M  THE  "SOUTHERN  BIVOUAC."  279 

palling  loss.  His  right,  although  in  possession  of  the  captur 
ed  line,  was  subjected  to  a  cross  lire  from  the  angle  in  the  in 
trenched  line  immediately  west  of  the  gin-house.  Bates  had 
not  connected  on  his  left,  and  his  left  Hank  was  threatened, 
and  likewise  subjected  to  a  cross  lire.  Brown  maintained  his 
lodgement  in  the  works,  with  both  flanks  uncovered,  exposed 
to  a  cross  lire,  with  obstinate  endurance. 

"Bate's  division,  with  Jackson's  brigade  on  the  right,  Smith's 
brigade  on  the  left,  Finley's  brigade  commanded  by  Colonel 
Bullock,  in  support,  near  the  Bostick  house,  encountered  the 
enemy's  skirmishers,  drove  them  on  the  main  works,  and  as 
saulted  Euger's  right  and  Kimbali's  left. 

"Kimball's  line,  immediately  to  the  right  of  the  Carter 
Creek  Pike,  bent  back  to  the  river,  and  as  soon  as  Bate  discov 
ered  its  direction,  he  moved  Bullock  to  the  left  of  his  advanc 
ing  line  across  the  pike.  Chalmers  did  not 
connect  with  Kate's  left,  and  his  flank  was  exposed  to  Kim- 
ball's  fire. 

"Bate  assaulted  the  main  works  exposed  to  the  heavy  fire  of 
both  artillery  and  infantry. 

"Kimball  held  his  line  intact,  and  poured  a  destructive  fire 
into  Bullock's  Hank,  and  also  that  of  Smith  and  Jackson. 

"The  battery  of  artillery  with  Bate  engaged  the  artillery  lo 
cated  on  Kimball's  line.  Bullock  and  Smith  were  repulsed, 
but  Jackson  reached  the  works  and  maintained  his  position. 

"Cheatham's  and  Stewart's  corps,  although  having  sustain 
ed  great  losses,  yet  preserved  their  morale,  promptly  reform 
ed  and  renewed  the  assault.  The  assaulting  division  concen 
trated  their  attack  011  the  center  and  gin-house,  and  stormed 
the  works. 

"The  Federal  troops  received  the  second  charge  of  the  as 
saulting  forces  with  steadiness  and  courage,  and  delivered 
their  fire  with  a  rapidity  and  destructiveness  unparalleled  in 
the  history  of  modern  warfare. 

"The  fire  of  small  arms  and  artillery  was  so  incessant  as  to 
cause  great  clouds  of  smoke  to  obscure  the  field  and  complete 
ly  veil  the  movements  of  the  assaulting  lines,  except  when 
lifted  into  rifts  by  the  flashes  of  musketry  and  artillery,  could 
be  seen,  and  only  for  the  moment,  battle  flags  waving  and  the 


280  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

men  in  the  charging  lines  reeling  and  falling  to  the  ground  fa 
tally  stricken,  as  the  dense  smoke  settled  to  be  lifted  again 
and  again  by  rapidly  successive  flashes.  In  this  second  grand 
assault,  Granberry,  Govan  and  Polk  stormed  the  intrenched 
line  at  the  pike,  and  attempted  to  capture  the  angle.  Gran- 
berry  was  killed  in  this  desperate  charge,  and  the  three  bri 
gades  repulsed  with  great  slaughter. 

"French  stormed  the  works  at  the  gin-house,  with  Seais' 
and  Cockrell's  brigades,  and  was  repulsed,  losing  in  these  as 
saults  sixty-five  per  cent,  of  his  command,  almost  annihilat 
ing  his  division. 

"  Walthall  assaulted  the  works  with  his  division,  and  Rey 
nold's,  Shelley's  and  Quarles'  brigades  were  likewise  repulsed 
and  almost  destroyed. 

"Loring  assaulted  the  works  with  his  division,  and  Feather- 
stone's,  Scott's  and  Adams' brigades  were  repulsed  with  heavy 
loss,  leaving  the  brilliant  young  Colonel  Ferrell,  of  the  15th 
Mississippi,  and  many  others,  immediately  under  the  w7orks, 
mortally  wounded. 

"Brown  still  held  the  works  in  Ruger's  line,  and  notwith 
standing  the  repeated  efforts  of  the  enemy,  could  not  be  dis 
lodged.  Ruger  constructed  a  hasty  barricade  in  front  of 
Brown ;  Strickland  occupied  the  line  behind  it,  and  engaged 
Brown  at  close  range.  Strickland  was  reinforced  from  Hen 
derson's  brigade  on  the  left,  and  yet  Brown  could  not  be  driv 
en  from  the  captured  line. 

"Darkness  ended  the  great  conflict.  The  Confederate  troops, 
repulsed  in  their  repeated  assaults,  had  retired,  but  Brown's 
division  held  the  works  captured  by  it  in  the  first  grand  as 
sault.  Brown  wras  wounded,  Gist  and  Strain1  killed,  Carter 
mortally  wounded,  and  Gordon  captured  within  the  intrench 
ed  line. 

"Immediately  after  dark  General  Hood  ordered  Johnson's 
division  of  Lee's  corps,  which  arrived  during  the  action,  to 
assault  the  works  to  the  left  of  the  Columbia  Pike.  This  fine 
division,  without  support,  in  dense  darkness,  moved  gallantly 
over  the  field,  thickly  strewn  with  the  dead  and  wounded,  and 
charged  the  wrorks  held  by  Paiger's  division. 

"The  storm  of  battle  was  again  renewed.     Kimball  and  Rug- 


FROM  THE  "SOUTHERN  BIVOUAC."  281 

er  delivered  a  deadly  lire  into  Johnson,  and  Managault  fell 
severely  wounded,  and  his  brigade,  with  Sharpe's,  Brantley's 
and  Dea's  brigades,  suffered  heavily,  and  were  repulsed.  Af 
ter  this,  heavy  tiring  continued,  with  occasional  volleys,  until 
ten  o'clock.  Stovall  's  brigade,  of  Clayton's  division,  Lee's 
corps,  was  moved  forward  on  the  Columbia  Pike,  and  occu 
pied  the  line  in  front  of  the  center  from  which  Lane  and  Con 
rad  had  been  driven  in  the  commencement  of  the  action. 

"Notwithstanding  the  repulse  at  Franklin,  attended  as  it 
was  with  fearful  loss  of  life,  Hood,  undismayed,  resolved  to 
renew  the  attack  the  following  morning ;  and  to  that  end  is 
sued  orders  to  his  corps  commanders  to  hold  their  troops  in 
hand,  and  take  position  in  front  of  his  artillery  and  at  a  given 
signal  to  assault  the  works  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  Scho- 
field,  however,  evacuated  Franklin  at  midnight  and  retreated 
on  Nashville.  When  the  first  information  from  his  works  was 
received,  the  artillery  opened  on  Franklin  with  a  heavy  can 
nonade.  There  being  no  response,  it  was  then  evident  that 
Schofield  had  successfully  withdrawn  his  forces  and  retreated 
to  Nashville." 

The  Carter  house,  around  which  the  battle  raged  so  fiercely, 
was  occupied  by  an  old  gentleman  and  his  two  daughters. 
When  the  battle  commenced,  it  broke  upon  them  so  suddenly 
that  they  could  not  leave  the  house  and  took  refuge  in  the 
cellar. 

At  early  dawn  the  following  day  they  were  engaged  in  min 
istering  to  the  wounded  of  both  sides,  carrying  water  to  those 
on  the  field,  when  as  they  climbed  the  parapet  in  the  rear  of 
the  house,  where* Brown Vdi vision  had  so  stubbornly  held  the 
works,  they  found  their  own  brother  (the  Carter  mentioned  by 
Major  Sanders)  mortally  wounded,  lying  where  he  had  fallen 
the  day  before  while  bravely  leading  his  brigade  to  the  grand 
charge — but  a  few  yards  from  his  father's  door. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

THE  BATTLE    OF    NASHVILLE — A    GREAT    UNION    VICTORY. 

HOOD'S    ARMY    DEFEATED,    ROUTED    AND    DESTROYED. 

rJ  HE  PURSUIT — THE  23D  CORPS    MARCHES    TO    CLIFTON,    ON    THE 

TENNESSEE    RIVER. 

At  Nashville  Gen.  Thomas  placed  his  army  on  the  heights 
surrounding  the  city  and  awaited  Hood's  approach. 

Gen.  A.  J.  Smith  had  arrived  on  the  first  day  of  December 
with  three  divisions  of  the  16th  Corps,  numbering  about  twelve 
thousand  men,  and  these  were  placed  on  the  right  of  the  line ; 
the  4th  JCorps  was  placed  in  the  center,  and  the  23d  Corps  on 
the  left. 

On  the  '2nd  of  December  the  112th  Illinois  and  the  175th 
Ohio,  a  new  regiment,  were  moved  into  Fort  Negley,  near  the 
left  of  the  line,  and  Col.  Henderson  placed  in  command  of  the 
fort.  The  three  other  regiments  of  the  brigade  were  held  in 
reserve  in  rear  of  the  fort ;  and  Col.  Henderson  was  instruct 
ed  to  prepare  for  action,  and  hold  his  command  well  in  hand 
to  meet  any  emergency  that  might  arise.  The  112th  remain 
ed  in  Fort  Negley  until  the  15th  of  December. 

On  the  3d  Hood  approached  the  city  and  placed  his  army 
in  position  and  fortified  it  on  a  range  of  hills  within  sight  of 
our  lines,  with  Lee's  corps  in  the  center,  across  the  Franklin 
Pike,  Cheatham's  on  the  right,  and  Stewart's  corps  on  the 
left.  Forrest's  cavalry  corps  extended  from  Stewart's  left  to 
the  Cumberland  Paver  below  Nashville.  Hood's  army,  with 
the  addition  of  Forrest's  cavalry,  now  numbered  about  forty- 
five  thousand  men  of  all  arms  ;  but  he  was  endeavoring  by  ev- 


RELATIVE  STRENGTH  OF  THE   ARMIES.  283 

ery  means  possible  to  increase  its  numbers,  by  soliciting  vol 
unteers  and  by  a  vigorous  enforcement  of  the  Confederate  con 
scription  laws.  For  the  latter  purpose,  the  pretended  govern 
or  of  the  State,  Isham  G.  Harris,  was  with  Hood's  army,  a 
willing  tool  of  the  Confederate  general  in  forcing  the  Tennesse- 
ans  into  his  ranks,  and  compelling  them,  whether  willing  or 
unwilling,  to  fight  against  the  National  Government. 

Thomas'  army  now  exceeded  Hood's  in  numbers,  but  many 
of  them  were  new,  just  arrived  at  the  front,  and  not  to  be  de 
pended  upon  in  an  encounter  with  the  veterans  of  Hood's 
army.  The  terms  of  enlistment  of  nearly  fifteen  thousand  of 
the  veterans  left  behind  by  Sherman  had  expired,  and  these 
had  been  replaced  by  twelve  thousand  new  troops  and  a  few 
thousand  employes  of  the  quartermaster's  department  at  Nash 
ville.  Smith's  three  divisions  reported  eleven  thousand  three 
hundred  and  forty--nve  men  "present  for  duty"  on  the  10th  of 
December.  The  4th  Corps  reported  fourteen  thousand  one 
hundred  and  fifteen,  and  the  23d  Corps  nine  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty-one  "present  for  duty"  on  the  same  day, 
making  a  total  of  thirty-five  thousand  five  hundred  and  thirty- 
one  of  these  three  corps.  Thomas'  cavalry  force  numbered 
about  six  thousand  mounted  men,  while  Hood's  numbered 
twelve  thousand,  in  command  of  the  ablest  cavalry  leader  of 
the  South.  Thomas  concentrated  fragmentary  detachments 
from  the  District  of  Tennessee  and  elsewhere,  many  of  them 
veteran  troops  but  new  to  the  command  and  to  each  other. 

The  situation  is  thus  aptly  described  in  Badeau's  Military 
History  of  General  Grant. 

"On  the  12th  of  November  Sherman  severed  connection  with 
the  forces  on  the  Tennessee,  and  from  this  time  Thomas  re 
ceived  his  orders  direct  from  Grant.  He  was  now  in  command 
of  all  the  National  troops  between  the  Mississippi  and  the  Al- 
leghanies.  To  him  from  this  moment  was  committed  the  de 
fense  not  only  of  Tennessee,  but  of  all  the  territory  acquired 
in  the  Atlanta,  or  even  in  the  Chattanooga  campaign. 

"The  same  army,  depleted,  it  is  true,  but  still  the  same  com 
mand  that  had  confronted  Sherman  so  long  and  so  valiantly, 
now  stood  before  Thomas,  and  threatened  all  at  the  west  that 
in  a  vear  of  battle  either  Grant  or  Sherman  had  gained.  Af- 


284  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ler  wandering  hundreds  of  miles,  Hood  at  length  found  a  base, 
and  railroad  communication  uninterrupted  in  his  rear,  from 
Corinth  to  Selma  and  Mobile.  The  troops  beyond  the  Missis 
sippi  had  been  ordered  to  reinforce  him,  and  the  only  success 
ful  leader  of  rebel  cavalry,  during  the  later  years  of  the  war, 
had  been  placed  under  his  command.  Not  only  did  Hood  out 
number  Schofield,  but  Sherman  with  the  pick  and  rlowrer  of 
the  army,  men,  horses,  pontoons  even,  whatever  he  chose  to 
take,  all  in  the  best  state  of  preparation,  he  inarched  in  an 
other  direction,  and  a  desperate  effort,  it  was  evident,  was 
about  to  be  made  to  strike  at  Thomas,  whose  fragmentary 
command  was  still  scattered  from  Missouri  to  East  Tennes 
see.  The  very  boldness  of  Hood's  movement  \vas  calculated 
to  effect  the  spirit  of  his  troops.  They  knew,  if  defeated,  that 
no  other  army  remained  or  could  be  collected  at  the  west  in 
defence  of  their  cause.  They  were  to  meet  their  old  enemy. 
The  eyes  of  the  South  were  upon  them,  the  rebel  President 
himself  had  journeyed  from  Eichmond  to  incite  them.  Sher 
man  had  left  them  an  open  door,  and  they  were  about  to  re 
claim  the  soil  upon  which  many  of  them  had  been  born.  Had 
Hood  attacked  Thomas  before  Schofield  arrived,  the  result 
must  have  been  disastrous  to  the  National  cause.  But  For 
rest  had  not  returned  from  West  Tennessee,  and  the  rebel  chief 
had  lost  some  of  the  ardor  which  characterized  the  assaults 
befoie  Atlanta.  If  his  strategy  w-as  still  bold,  his  tactics  weie 
certainly  tamer.  He  lingered  around  Florence  when  every 
hour's  delay  was  of  incalculable  advantage  to  his  adversary, 
and  for  twenty  days,  at  this  crisis  of  his  fortune,  he  neither 
followed  Sherman  nor  assaulted  Schofield." 

But  Hood  now  confronted  Thomas,  and  the  latter  was  strain 
ing  every  nerve  to  complete  his  preparations  for  an  attack. 
No  one  feared  an  attack  by  Hood.  Even  the  private  soldiers 
understood  that  there  was  no  danger  of  an  attack,  and  laugh 
ed  at  the  idea  of  the  Confederate  army  assaulting  their  lines. 

While  at  Nashville  the  120th  and  128th  Indiana  regiments 
were  transferred  from  the  3d  Brigade  and  their  places  in  the 
brigade  filled  by  the  140th  Indiana, — a  new  regiment,  but  a 
good  one — in  command  of  Col.  Thomas  J.  Brady. 

Gen.  Thomas  was  determined  not  to  attack  Hood  until  his 


STATE  OF  THE  WEATHER  AND  ROADS.      285 

preparations  to  follow  up  a  victory  had  been  fully  completed. 
One-half  his  cavalry  force  was  dismounted.  He  lacked  artil 
lery  horses,  and  mules  for  the  transportation  of  supplies.  In 
fact  his  army  was  sadly  deficient  of  the  means  [of  an  active 
pursuit  of  the  enemy ;  and  trains  and  animals  had  to  be  sup 
plied.  This  required  time;  but  by  the  8th  of  J)ecember  all 
was  ready.  Orders  were  issued  on  the  6th  to  be  prepared  for 
action  on  the  8th,  and  the  plan  of  battle  was  agreed  upon  by 
Gen.  Thomas  and  his  corps  commanders. 

But  on  the  night  of  the  7th  the  weather,  which  had  been 
warm  and  pleasant  for  a  week  past,  suddenly  changed,  and 
the  morning  of  the  8th  opened  with  a  driving  storm  of  rain  and 
sleet.  The  cold  increased  during  the  day,  and  before  night 
the  hills  were  covered  with  snow.  This  was  followed  by  lain, 
and  another  sudden  change  converted  the  water  to  ice,  and 
the  hills  were  so-  slippery  that  it  was  extremely  difficult  to 
climb  them  in  the  performance  of  the  usual  camp  duties. 
This  kind  of  weather  continued  nearly  a  week — the  alterna 
tions  of  rain  and  frost  covering  the  hills  with  a  thick  coat  of 
ice  over  which  it  was  impossible  to  move  troops. 

The  President,  the  Secretary  of  War  and  General  Grant,  all 
became  impatient  at  the  delay ;  but  those  who  were  at  Nash 
ville  at  that  time  know  that  no  movement  of  the  army  could 
have  been  made  over  the  icy  hill-slopes  between  the  8th  and 
14th  of  December. 

On  the  14th  a  warm  rain  melted  the  ice,  and  orders  were  at 
once  issued  to  be  ready  for  action  early  the  next  morning. 

At  day-break  on  the  loth,  the  112th  Illinois,  in  command  of 
Capt.  S.  F.  Otman,  moved  out  of  Fort  Negley  and  joined  the 
brigade.  The  23d  Corps  was  relieved  by  a  provisional  division 
under  Gen.  Steadman — made  up  of  detachments  belonging  to 
the  several  corps  with  Sherman,  which  had  been  unable  to 
join  their  commands — and  moved  to  a  position  in  rear  of  the 
4th  Corps  to  strengthen  and  extend  the  attack  on  the  right- 
constituting  the  reserve.  The  ground  was  muddy  and  the 
movements  necessarily  slow,  but  a  dense  fog  concealed  from 
the  enemy  the  disposition  of  Thomas'  troops  and  gave  him 
time  to  move  them  into  the  desired  positions  without  being 
discovered. 


286  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Gen.  Steadnian  moved  forward  under  cover  of  the  fog,  very 
early  in  the  morning,  and  made  a  vigorous  attack  on  Hood's 
right,  and  while  this  wras  in  progress,  the  center  and  right  of 
Thomas'  line  moved  forward  and  opened  the  attack  along  the 
whole  line. 

A  detailed  account  of  the  Battle  of  Nashville  will  not  he  at 
tempted.  It  is  familiar  to  those  who  participated  in  it,  and 
those  who  did  not  can  consult  other  more  elaborate  works. 

The  23d  Corps  moved  to  the  right  and  operated  against  the 
enemy's  left  flank,  Henderson's  brigade,  of  the  3d  Division,  in 
temporary  command  of  Col.  Stiles,  Col.  Henderson  being  ab 
sent,  sick,  supporting  the  cavalry  on  the  extreme  right.  At 
the  end  of  the  first  day  Hood's  army  had  been  driven  two 
miles,  with  the  loss  of  sixteen  pieces  of  artillery  and  twelve 
hundred  prisoners,  besides  many  killed  and  wounded :  while 
the  casualties  in  the  4th  and  16th  corps  were  only  about  three 
hundred  and  fifty  each,  and  only  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  the 
23d  Corps.  The  troops  rested  on  their  arms  on  the  night  of 
the  15th,  ready  and  willing  to  renew  the  conflict  the  next 
morning. 

At  6  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  16th  the  movements  of 
the  previous  evening  were  continued.  The  line  was  moved  for 
ward  and  occupied  a  position  parallel  to  the  enemy's  lines, 
and  a  heavy  line  of  skirmishers  was  advanced  close  to  their* 
works.  Col.  Stiles,  with  the  3d  Brigade,  left  his  position  in  sup 
port  of  the  cavalry  on  the  extreme  right,  and  marched  further 
south,  and  then  turning  to  the  east  pushed  forward  upon  a 
wrooded  hill  on  the  extension  of  the  line  of  the  division,  and 
thence  was  ordered  to  keep  pace  with  the  advance  of  the  dis 
mounted  cavalry,  and  attack  with  the  rest  of  the  line  when  it 
should  go  forward.  A  little  after  noon  the  cavalry  and  the 
brigade  formed  a  continuous  line  around  the  enemy's  left  flank, 
and  the  cavalry  were  advancing  from  the  south,  gaming  one 
hill  after  another  and  doubling  up  the  extreme  left  of  Hood's 
army. 

About  3  o'clock  the  signal  was  given  to  advance  the  whole 
line,  and  with  a  cheer  the  men  rushed  forward.  The  center 
was  broken,  and  at  the  same  time  both  flanks  of  the  enemy's 
line  were  doubled  up,  and  his  men  broke  and  ran  like  a  flock 


IN  PURSUIT  OF  HOOD.  287 

of  sheep.  Many  of  them  were  killed  and  wounded  and  a  large 
number  captured.  Hood's  grand  army  of  veterans  was  de 
feated,  routed,  in  a  panic-stricken  and  demoralized  condition, 
the  men  abandoning  their  organizations,  and  streaming'over 
the  Brentwood  Hills  to  the  Franklin  Pike,  and  thence  on  to 
ward  the  Harpeth  River. 

The  victory  was  complete ;  but,  unfortunately,  night  was 
falling,  and  a  drenching  rain  set  in  to  add  to  the  darkness,  and 
the  pursuit  had  to  be  abandoned  until  daylight. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  17th  the  Union  cavalry  were  in 
hot  pursuit  of  the  retreating  Confederates,  followed  as  rapidly 
as  possible  by  the  infantry  and  artillery  ;  but  the  roads  were 
in  a  horrible  condition,  cut  up  by  the  Confederate  trains  and 
artillery,  and  consequently  the  movements  of  the  Union  infan 
try  were  slow.  The  23d  Corps  moved  at  9  o'clock,  having 
waited  until  that  time  for  other  troops  to  move  out  of  the  way, 
and  then  proceeded  on  the  Franklin  Pike — the  3d  Division  in 
the  rear  of  the  train-— and  marched  to  Brentwood  and  there 
bivouacked  for  the  night. 

On  the  18th  the  Corps  moved  to  within  two  miles  of  Frank 
lin  and  halted  for  the  night.  The  roads  were  blockaded  with 
trains.  The  rain  continued  to  pour  in  torrents,  softening  the 
ground  and  pikes,  and  the  macadamized  turnpikes,  cut 
through  by  the  heavy  wagons,  became  next  to  impassable, 
while  the  mud  roads  were  simply  bottomless  quagmires.  On 
the  19th  the  23d  Corps,  which  was  in  rear,  crossed  the  Har 
peth  River  and  camped  near  Franklin.  The  advance  was  al 
ready  beyond  Columbia,  pressing  Hood's  rear  guard,  and  cap 
turing  many  prisoners.  Hood  destroyed  his  ammunition,  and 
abandoned  the  wagons,  and  doubled  teams  on  his  pontoon 
trains,  and  pushing  them  forward,  succeeded  in  crossing  the 
Tennessee,  and  by  the  27th  his  shattered  forces  were  on  the 
south  bank  of  the  river. 

Hood's  loss  in  the  battle  of  Nashville  was  not  great  in  killed 
and  wounded,  but  he  lost  heavily  in  prisoners,  and  in  artillery 
and  small  arms.  About  live  thousand  prisoners  were  captur 
ed,  among  them  four  generals  and  a  large  number  of  general 
and  regimental  officers  commanding  brigades,  fifty-three  piec 
es  of  artillery,  and  a  threat  number  of  small  arms.  In  the 


288  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

pursuit  many  more  prisoners  and  pieces  of  artillery  were  cap 
tured,  and  hundreds  of  his  men  deserted  and  returned  to  their 
homes. 

Among  the  prisoners  was  a  general  officer  who  was  forced 
to  surrender  to  a  "•  -  nigger"  under  peculiar  circumstances, 
and  much  against  his  will.  A  colored  regiment  on  Thomas' 
left  was  in  the  advance  on  the  afternoon  of  the  16th,  and, 
when  Hood's  line  broke,  gathered  in  many  prisoners.  A  col 
ored  sergeant  called  upon  this  officer,  who  was  mounted,  to 
surrender.  The  fiery  Southron  replied  that  he  would  never 

surrender  to  a" nigger,"   hut  if  they  would  send  fora 

white  man,  he  would  surrender  to  him.  Quick  as  lightning 
the  sergeant's  gun  went  to  his  shoulder,  and  covering  the 
haughty  Confederate,  he  replied,  "Can't  help  it  massa ;  no 
time  to  send  for  white  man  now;  come  down."  The  ominous 
click  of  the  sergeant's  gun  convinced  the  Confederate  officer 
that  the  "•  -  nigger"  would  not  be  trifled  with,  and  he  "came 
down,"  and  was  sent  to  the  rear  in  charge  of  a  colored  guard. 

When  Hood  assembled  his  army  at  Tupelo,  Miss.,  at  the 
end  of  the  month  he  could  muster  scarcely  fifteen  thousand  ef 
fective  muskets.  His  army  was  scattered  and  demoralized, 
and  had  lost  the  character  of  a  disciplined  army,  and  at  his 
own  request,  he  was  relieved  of  its  command.  The  23d  Corps 
met  some  of  the  fragments  of  his  army  in  North  Carolina,  the 
following  spring,  but  as  an  organization  the  Confederate  Army 
of  the  Tennessee  was  dead  beyond  resurrection. 

The  Union  losses  at  Nashville  were  less  than  four  hundred 
killed,  and  about  twenty-six  hundred  wounded,  a  great  major 
ity  of  the  latter  only  slightly.  Among  the  latter  were  Serg. 
Edward  P.  Wright  and  Serg.  William  0.  Shurtleff,  both  of  Co. 
G,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  the  only  casualties  in  the  regiment. 

The  truth  is,  there  was  no  hard  fighting  at  Nashville. 
Hood's  army  was  whipped  at  Franklin.  Its  back  bone  was 
broken  ;  his  men  were  discouraged,  and  at  Nashville  there  was 
no  fight  in  them.  When  the  final  charge  was  made  on  his 
lines,  on  the  16th,  it  was  crushed  as  easily  as  an  egg-shell. 

Hood's  corps  commanders  counselled  him  to  retreat  south 
ward,  after  the  battle  of  Franklin,  instead  of  advancing  upon 
Nashville ;  but  the  rash  and  impetuous  general  declined  their 


fiOOD  KETIRES  IN  DISGRACE.  289 

advice  and  rushed  forward  to  certain  destruction.  He  had 
entered  upon  the  campaign  with  a  grand  flourish  of  trumpets, 
and  in  numerous  manifestoes,  replete  with  southern  braggado 
cio,  had  announced  his  intention  of  marching  to  the  Ohio,  and 
if  Sherman  should  lay  waste  the  plantations  of  Georgia  and 
the  Carolinas,  he  would  lay  waste  the  fertile  fields  of  Southern 
Ohio,  Indiana  and  Illinois,  and  compel  northern  cities  to  pay 
tribute  to  his  victorious  army.  But  it  was  only  a  dream,  and 
he  now  awoke  to  the  sad  reality  that  he  had  sacrificed  the  only 
army  of  the  Confederacy  in  the  west,  in  the  vain  attempt  to 
restore  the  falling  fortunes  of  rebeldom  ;  and  he  retired  in  dis 
grace  from  the  command  of  an  army  unsurpassed  in  bravery, 
unexcelled  in  endurance  and  not  exceeded  in  enthusiasm, 
which  his  owrn  folly  and  rashness  had  led  to  the  verge  of  com 
plete  annihilation. 

If,  instead  of  retreating  to  Nashville,  after  the  battle  of 
Franklin,  Schofield  had  moved  Wood's  division  to  the  south 
side  of  the  Harpeth,  in  the  night  of  November  30th,  and  had 
made  a  bold  and  vigorous  attack  upon  Hood's  sore  and  bleed 
ing  army,  on  the  morning  of  December  1st,  the  battle  of  Nash 
ville  would  never  have  been  fought ;  Hood's  army  would  have 
been  as  completely  crushed  and  routed  as  it  subsequently  wras 
at  Nashville. 

The  defeat  of  Hood's  army  virtually  ended  the  war  in  the 
west.  It  was  the  same  army,  its  ranks  depleted  by  the  cas 
ualties  of  war,  which  Sherman  had  been  fighting  all  summer ; 
which  had  successfully  resisted  a  direct  advance  upon  its  in 
trenched  lines  and  compelled  Sherman  to  "flank"  its  chosen 
position  ;  which  had  repulsed  many  an  assault,  and  which  had 
tried  the  mettle  and  the  courage  of  Sherman's  soldiers  upon 
many  a  well-fought  battle-field ;  and  yet  a  so-called  history  of 
the  United  States  disposes  of  this  entire  campaign  in  the  fol 
lowing  manner : 

"The  capture  of  Atlanta  had  effected  only  a  part  of  the  ob 
ject  of  die  campaign,  for  Hood's  army,  still  nearly  forty  thous 
and  strong,  had  escaped,  and  although  Sherman  had  nearly 
twice  a;s  many  he  thought  it  useless  to  pursue.  He  therefore 
resolvi-d  to  convert  Atlanta  into  a  purely  military  post,  and  or 
dered  all  the  inhabitants  to  leave  the  town.  Hood  lingered  in 
-19 


•290  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

the  neighborhood  until  the  close  of  September,  when  he  set 
out  upon  his  fatal  expedition  to  Tennessee  ;  the  original  pur 
pose  being  to  destroy  the  railroads  by  which  the  Federal  army 
was  supplied.  Sherman  anticipated  the  movement,  and  sharp 
fighting  took  place  about  Allatoona.  Hood  pressed  on  until 
lie  reached  Resaca  about  the  middle  of  October.  Thence  he 
moved  towards  Nashville  by  a  wide  circuit.  Thomas  had  al 
ready  been  sent  there.  Hood  appeared  before  Nashville  early 
in  December.  On  the  19th  he  was  attacked  by  Thomas. 
Fierce  fighting  ensued,  lasting  two  days,  ending  in  the  total 
rout  of  the  Confederates." 

(Bryant's  Popular  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  4,  page 
583. — In  justice  to  Bryant,  however,  it  is  proper  to  state  that 
this  volume  was  written  by  others  after  his  death.) 

That  is  all.  The  movement  from  Columbia,  the  assault  up 
on  Spring  Hill,  the  battle  of  Franklin — one  of  the  most  des 
perate  and  bloody  encounters  of  the  war ;  all  these  are  com 
pletely  ignored ;  and  the  battle  of  Nashville,  in  which  Hood's 
army  received  its  death  blow,  is  disposed  of  in  less  than  half 
a  dozen  lines." 

In  the  same  volume  a  page  and  a  half  is  devoted  to  a 
skirmish  in  Virginia,  in  wliich  the  whole  number  of  men  en 
gaged  was  less  than  the  number  of  killed  and  wounded  at 
Franklin.  So  much  for  the  truth  and  impartiality  of  history. 

The  beautiful  village  of  Franklin  presented  an  appalling 
spectacle  on  our  return  there  on  the  19th  of  December. 
Churches,  school  buildings,  public  halls,  stores,  shops — even 
blacksmith  shops — many  of  the  dwelling  houses— every  avail 
able  room  had  been  converted  into  a  hospital,  and  all  were* 
filled  to  overflowing  with  wounded  men  ;  and  Union  and  Con 
federate  surgeons  labored  harmoniously  together  to  alleviate 
their  terrible  sufferings.  It  was  a  sight  never  to  be  forgotten 
—the  dark,  dark  side  of  war.  Many  of  our  own  wounded  were 
there,  who  had  been  left  behind  on  the  80th  of  November,  but 
nearly  all  were  Confederates— the  same  men  who,  in  the  pride 
and  flush  of  manhood,  had  swept  forwrard  over  the  level  plains 
in  front  of  Franklin  in  grand  battle  array,  on  that  bright  No 
vember  day,  to  assault  our  lines — IIOWT  groaning  with  pain, 
some  gasping  in  death,  and  many  of  those  who  survived  crip- 


AT  SPRING  HILL.  291 

pled  for  life  ;  and  the  newly  made  graves  gave  evidence  that 
hundreds  and  hundreds  of  their  comrades  had  already  been 
buried  upon  the  Held  where  they  fell.  Well  might  our  Great 
Commander  exclaim,  "Let  us  have  peace." 

"0  war  !  thou  son  of  hell. 
Whom  angry  heavens  do  make  their  Ministers." 

On  the  20th  of  December  the  23d  Corps  moved  at  8  o'clock 
in  the  morning  and  marched  to  Spring  Hill.  It  was  a  cold 
rainy  day.  The  pikes  were  a  bed  of  mortar,  being  cut  up  by 
heavy  trains,  and  it  was  a  wearisome  and  difficult  march.  As 
the  corps  trains  \vere  in  the  rear,  the  command  went  into  biv 
ouac  and  passed  an  uncomfortable  night.' 

It  continued  to  rain  and  snow  on  the  21st  and  22nd,  and 
was  very  cold.  Remained  at  Spring  Hill  waiting  for  the  sup 
ply  trains,  as  the  men  were  without  rations.  In  the  afternoon 
of  the  21st  the  regimental  wragons  came  up,  and  the  officers  of 
the  command  pitched  their  tents — having  passed  the  previous 
night  without  shelter — and  were  now  on  an.  equal  footing  with 
the  men,  who  carried  their  tents  upon  their  backs  and  were 
never  caught  in  a  storm  without  shelter. 

On  the  23d  the  corps  marched  down  to  Duck  River,  near 
Columbia,  and  went  into  camp,  where  it  remained  until  the 
26th,  Avhen  it  crossed  the  river  and  camped  on  the  Pulaski 
Pike,  one  mile  south  of  Columbia. 

Another  Christmas  had  overtaken  us,  and  the  war  was  not 
yet  ended.  But  rapid  strides  had  been  made  during  the  year 
and  in  the  dim  distance  the  "boys"  could  see  the  beginning  of 
the  end,  and  they  were  much  happier  than  one  year  before. 
Many  camp  stools  were  vacant  as  they  gathered  around  the 
camp  fires  on  this  sacred  holiday,  to  talk  of  friends  and  by 
gone  Christmas  festivals  at  home  ;  and  many  an  unbidden  tear 
trickled  down  their  brown  and  rugged  faces  as  they  referred  to 
the  phu-es  made  vacant  in  their  ranks  since  the  last  Christ 
mas. 

The  23d  Corps  remained  in  camp  at  Columbia  until  the  2nd 
day  of  January,  1865,  when  orders  wrere  received  to  proceed  at 
once  to  Clifton,  on  the  Tennessee  River,  and  there  take  trans 
ports  up  the  river,  and  join  Gen.  Smith,  with  the  KHh  Corps, 


292  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  Gen.  Wilson,  with  the   cavalry,  at   Eastport,  Mississippi. 
The  4th  Corps  was  ordered  to  Huntsville,  Alabama. 

At  8  o'clock  on  the  2nd  the  corps  moved  over  to  the  Mt. 
Pleasant  Pike  and  marched  twelve  miles,  in  a  cold  drizzly  rain 
storm,  the  mud  nearly  knee  deep,  and  camped  two  miles  be 
low  Mt.  Pleasant.  Moved  at  daylight  on  the  3d,  and  leaving 
the  pike,  the  3d  Division  marched  thirteen  miles  over  the 
hills,  on  a  mud  road,  to  Newburg,  and  camped  for  the  night. 

Remained  in  camp  until  noon  on  the  4th,  waiting  for  the 
supply  train.  Marched  at  12  o'clock,  the  112th  Illinois  in  ad 
vance.  The  road  followed  along  the  course  of  ravines  and 
beds  of  creeks.  Crossed  Bryner's  Creek  a  dozen  or  more  times 
during  the  afternoon,  over  which  temporary  bridges  were  has 
tily  constructed  of  logs  and  rails  for  the  men  to  cross  on.  At 
dark  struck  Rockhouse  Creek,  and  followed  along  its  course, 
first  on  one  side  and  then  the  other,  in  the  narrow  ravine 
through  which  it  ran,  and  as  it  was  too  dark  to  see  to  build 
bridges,  the  men  waded  it  at  every  crossing,  some  half  dozen. 
The  water  was  from  one  foot  to  two  feet  deep.  At  8  o'clock  in 
the  evening  the  command  reached  Buffalo  Creek,  a  wide 
stream  about  four  feet  deep.  There  was  no  bridge,  and  but 
one  way  to  cross.  With  cheers  and  shouts  the  men  plunged 
in  and  waded  it.  It  was  a  cold  bath  ;  but  in  the  valley  on  the 
other  side  were  several  stacks  of  hay  and  plenty  of  dry  rails, 
and  it  was  not  long  until  great  fires  were  burning,  and  after 
drying  themselves  the  men  made  comfortable  beds  of  hav  and 
lay  down  to  rest.  Gen.  Cox  personally  rode  along  the  lines  as 
the  regiments  were  going  into  camp,  and  informed  the  men 
that  there  were  plenty  of  rails  and  hay  near  by,  and  directed 
them  to  build  good  fires  and  make  themselves  comfortable  beds. 

Marched  at  8  o'clock  on  the  5th.  The  roads  were  horrible. 
Reached  Waynesboro  at  dark,  having  made  fifteen  miles,  and 
camped  for  the  night.  The  6th  was  a  cold  rainy  day,  but  the 
command  moved  at  7  o'clock  and  marched  fifteen  miles,  to 
Clifton,  on  the  Tennessee  River,  and  went  into  camp. 

The  corps  remained  at  Clifton,  waiting  for  transports,  until 
the  16th  of  January.  On  the  14th,  however,  orders  were  re 
ceived  transferring  the  corps  to  other  fields  on  the  sea  coast, 
and  it  moved  down  instead  of  up  the  river. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

A    NEW    BASE    OF    OPERATIONS— TRANSFERRED    TO    NORTH    CAROLINA. 

THE    JOURNEY    TO    THE    EAST — AT    SEA    IN    A    STORM. 

LAND    AT    FORT    FISHER. 

Sherman  moved  from  Savannah  on  his  march  through  the 
Carolinas  about  the  middle  of  January,  1865.  Gen.  Terry 
captured  Fort  Fisher,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cape  Fear  River, 
in  North  Carolina,  about  the  same  time.  Arid  Gen.  Schofield 
was  now  ordered  to  proceed  with  his  corps  to  the  North  Caro 
lina  coast,  and,  with  his  own  and  Terry's  10th  Corps,  to  cap 
ture  Wilmington,  and  then  advance  upon  two  lines  from  Wil 
mington  and  Newbern  to  Goldsboro,  where  it  was  expected 
Sherman  would  join  him  ;  and  from  that  point,  with  two  bases 
of  communication  already  established,  Sherman  could  push 
his  operations  north  or  west,  as  the  exigencies  of  war  should 
require.  The  supreme  military  genius  of  Grant  planned  the 
campaign,  and  it  was  executed  by  Ins  faithful  lieuten 
ants,  months  afterwards,  with  such  exactness  that  there  was 
hardly  a  day's  difference  between  the  entry  of  Schoiield's  ar 
my  and  Sherman's  army  into  Goldsboro. 

At  8  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  10th  the  corps  moved  down 
to  the  river  and  embarked  on  transports.  The  fleet  consisted 
of  twenty  five  steamers  guarded  by  two  gunboats. 

Col.  Stiles,  still  commanding  the  brigade,  with  his  staff  and 
orderlies,  and  the  112th  Illinois,  occupied  the  steamer  "Clara 
Poe,"  and  the  63d  and  140th  Indiana  regiments  the  "Minne- 
haha." 

The  troops  were  loaded  during  the  night,  and  at  6  :30  on  the 
morning  of  the  17th  the  fleet  moved  from  the  landing  and 


294  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

steamed  down  the  river.  Arrived  at  Paducah  at  3  o'clock  on 
the  morning  of  the  18th  and  at  7  o'clock  steamed  into  the  Ohio. 
The  steamer  landed  at  New  Liberty,  Illinois,  for  wood ;  and 
many  of  the  men  went  ashore  "to  tread  upon  Illinois  soil  once 
more."  As  the  steamer  swung  off  into  the  river  again  they 
gave  three  cheers  for  our  own  Illinois.  Arrived  at  Evans ville, 
Indiana,  at  7  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  where  we  left 
a  mail.  Beached  Lousiville  at  '2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  and 
passed  through  the  locks, — and  thence  continued  up  the  river 
to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  we  arrived  at  1  :3()  in  the  afternoon 
of  the  21st  of  January.  Here  the  command  drew  rations  ;  and 
at  8  o'clock  in  the  evening  embarked  on  box  cars.  At  9  o'clock 
the  trains  pulled  out  and  arrived  at  Columbus  at  10  o'clock  on 
the  morning -of  the  22d— Sunday.  Here  the  troops  changed 
cars  and  obtained  coffee  and  breakfast. 

At  1  o'clock  moved  from  Columbus  and  ran  without  change 
to  Bellair  on  the  Ohio  river,  arriving  there  at  6  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  23d.  Crossed  the  river,  by  ferry,  to  Benwood, 
West  Virginia,  and  breakfasted,  and  at  10  :30  again  took  cars 
on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  and  at  noon  moved  eats. 
The  weather  was  extremely  cold  ;  and  the  change  from  South 
ern  Tennessee  to  a  northern  latitude  told  severely  on  the  men. 
The  cars  were  ordinary  freight  cars,  and  of  course  had  no 
stoves.  Necessity  is  frequently  the  cause  of  mischief,  as  well 
as  the  mother  of  invention.  At  Piedmont,  in  West  Virginia, 
our  train  met  a  west  bound  freight  train.  The  trains  stopped 
but  a  few  moments,  but  long  enough  for  some  of  the  boys  of 
Co.  A,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  to  confiscate  a  stove  and  its  pipe 
in  a  box  car  on  the  freight  train,  and  transfer  it,  unobserved, 
to  their  car.  Philip  J.  Wintz  got  a  wrench  and  loosened  the 
nuts  on  the  bolts  that  held  the  stove  to  the  floor,  and  others 
stood  ready  to  assist  in  removing  it.  In  the  meantime  others 
were  obtaining  fuel.  As  soon  as  the  train  was  under  way  a 
stove-pipe  hole  was  cut  through  the  car  roof  and  a  tire  built. 
It  is  not  known  what  was  said  by  the  conductor  and  brakes 
men  of  the  freight  train  when  they  discovered  their  loss.  If 
they  consigned  the  boys  to  a  ti-ann  place,  it  was  no  more  than 
they  deserved,  and  had  already  obtained.  Such  cHtetyriw  en 
titled  them  to  n-Jiir,  and  they  had  it. 


AT  ALEXANDRIA  AND    WASHINGTON.  295 

Our  train  arrived  at  Cumberland,  McL,  at  5  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  same  day  ;  and  at  Harper's  Ferry  at  5  o'clock 
in  the  morning  of  the  25th,  and  at  noon  reached  Washington 
Junction.  From  this  point  our  train  was  delayed  by  passen 
ger  trains  occupying  the  track.  Arrived  in  Washington  at  7 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  where  the  train  halted  an  hour,  and 
then  moved  across  the  Potomac  River  and  down  to  Alexand 
ria,  Va., — having  traveled  fourteen  hundred  miles  since  leav 
ing  Clifton.  The  112th  Illinois  obtained  quarters  at  the  "Sol 
diers'  Rest."  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  and  the  Adjutant,  of  the  112th, 
lodged  at  the  Marshall  House — made  historic  on  account  of 
the  tragic  assassination  of  Col.  Ellsworth  within  its  walls,  by 
the  proprietor  of  the  house,  in  1861. 

But  one  serious  accident  happened  to  the  regiment  on  the 
journey.  John  Johnson,  of  Co.  H,  was  run  over  by  a  railroad 
car  in  Washington,  on  the  evening  of  the  25th,  and  had  his 
right  arm  taken  off.  He  was  taken  to  the  hospital,  where  he 
died  on  the  16th  of  February  from  the  effects  of  the  injury. 

While  at  Alexandria  passes  were  granted  liberally,  and  the 
men  improved  the  opportunity  to  visit  Washington.  Large 
squads  visited  the  city  daily,  and  probably  every  man  in  the 
regiment  spent  at  least  one  day  in  the  capital. 

A  large  mail  had  followed  the  corps  to  Washington ;  but 
the  corps  postmaster  had  neglected  to  inform  the  postmaster 
at  Washington  of  the  whereabouts  of  the  corps,  and  the  mail 
had  been  sent  back  to  Nashville.  This  exasperated  the  men 
when  they  heard  of  it,  and  curses  loud  and  deep  were  heaped 
upon  the  head  of  the  corps  postmaster  for  his  neglect  of  duty. 

Next  to  rations,  a  soldier's  mail  is  most  necessary  for  his 
welfare.  The  people  at  home  hardly  realized  the  actual  ne 
cessity  of  writing  frequently  to  their  relatives  and  friends  in 
the  army,  (rive  a  soldier  his  rations  and  frequent  letters  from 
home,  and  he  will  defy  hardships,  disease,  homesickness,  and 
will  be  jolly,  contented  and  ready  and  willing  for  duty.  Cut 
off  his  mail,  and  he  becomes  morose,  sullen,  homesick,  and 
this  induces  actual  sickness  ;  and  he  goes  to  the  hospital,  and 
perhaps  dies.  Many  a  poor  fellow  lies  buried  in  southern  hos 
pital  cemeteries  whose  disease  and  death  can  be- traced  to  the 
neglect  and  carelessness  of  his  friends  at  home  in  not  writing 


296  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

to  him.  It  may  have  been  a  weakness  ;  but  many  brave  men 
who  feared  neither  southern  bullets  nor  the  southern  climate 
succumbed  to  this  weakness.  They  could  stand  fire,  but  not 
neglect. 

Col.  Henderson  had  been  compelled  to  relinquish  his  com 
mand  while  at  Nashville,  and  go  north  on  account  of  ill  health. 
He  was  in  fact  too  ill  to  be  on  duty  from  the  time  the  army 
left  Pulaski  until  it  reached  Nashville,  but  he  refused  to  leave 
his  command  while  it  was  being  pressed  by  the  enemy.  He 
arrived  at  Alexandria  on  the  29th  of  January,  and  at  once  re 
sumed  command  of  the  brigade.  He  had  been  recommended 
for  promotion  to  Brigadier  General  of  Volunteers  for  gallant 
conduct  upon  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  at  the  battle  of  Frank 
lin,  by  both  General  Cox  and  General  Scliofield,  but  as  there 
were  no  vacancies  in  that  grade,  President  Lincoln  nominat 
ed  him  Brigadier  General,  by  brevet,  on  the  6th  of  January, 
and  he  was  confirmed  by  the  Senate  and  entered  upon  the  du 
ties  of  the  office  ;  but  by  some  mistake  his  commission  was  not 
issued  until  after  the  death  of  President  Lincoln,  and  was  sign 
ed  by  President  Johnson. 

By  the  first  of  February  the  23d  Corps  was  ready  to  move 
south  ;  but  the  extreme  cold  weather  had  frozen  the  Potomac, 
and  boats  could  not  run  until  the  river  was  clear  of  ice. 

Gen.  Schofield  visited  Gen.  Grant  at  Fortress  Monroe,  and 
together  they  went  to  Fort  Fisher,  at  the  mouth  of  Cape  Fear 
River,  to  consult  with  Gen.  Terry  and  Admiral  Porter,  in  com 
mand  of  the  naval  forces,  with  regard  to  future  operations. 

A  new  department  was  created,  designated  as  the  Depart 
ment  of  North  Carolina,  and  Gen.  Schofield  assigned  to  its 
command.  Gen.  Cox  was  placed  in  command  of  the  23d  Corps, 
and  Gen.  Reilly  commanded  the  3d  Division.  Gen.  Reilly 
left  the  service  near  the  close  of  the  war,  and  after  that  time 
the  division  was  commanded  by  Gen.  S.  P.  Carter.  The  corps 
was  reorganized,  and  the  1st  Division  reconstructed,  in  com 
mand  of  Brig.  Gen.  Buger. 

Gen.  Schofield  returned  to  Alexandria,  and  the  ice  having 
broken  up,  he  embarked,  with  Cox's  division,  on  the  4th  of 
February,  leaving  the  other  divisions  to  follow  as  soon  as 
transportation  could  be  obtained.  Gen. ^Schofield  and  his 


ARRIVE  IN  NORTH. CAROLINA.  297 

staff.  Gen.  Cox  and  his  staff,  and  Gen.  Henderson  with  his 
brigade  went  aboard  the  steamship  Atlantic.  The  brigade 
went  aboard  late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  3d,  and  at  8  o'clock 
on  the  morning  of  the  4th  the  steamship  swung  from  the  pier 
and  steamed  down  the  Potomac.  Passed  Mount  Yernon  in 
the  afternoon,  and  at  dark  the  fleet  anchored  at  Kettel's  Shoals, 
near  Matthew's  Point,  and  lay  by  during  the  night.  Got  un 
der  way  at  7  o'clock  the  next  morning,  steamed  down  Chesa 
peake  Bay  and  reached  Fortress  Monroe  at  7  o'clock  in  the  ev 
ening,  where  a  mail  was  left  and  ammunition  taken  on.  Got 
under  way  again  at  3  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  6th,  and 
under  full  sail  and  steam  steered  toward  Cape  Hatteras.  The 
ship  rolled  and  pitched  tremendously,  and  many  of  the  men 
were  very  sea-sick.  A  dense  fog  covered  the  sea,  and  nothing 
could  be  seen.  It  was  a  new  experience  to  many  of  our  west 
ern  "land-lubbers,"  but  they  stood  it  bravely. 

We  arrived  opposite  the  mouth  of  Cape  Fear  Kiver  on  the 
morning  of  the  7th,  but  by  reason  of  the  dense  fog  and  high 
sea  could  not  make  a  landing,  and  stood  out  to  sea  until  five 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  when  the  ship  ran  in  toward  the  shore 
and  anchored.  At  8  o'clock  the  next  morning  the  troops  com 
menced  landing.  A  small  steamer  ran  out,  and  the  men  were 
rowed  from  the  steamship  to  the  steamer  in  small  boats,  and 
the  steamer  carried  them  to  the  landing  on  Federal  Point.  The 
140th  Indiana  regiment  was  the  first  to  land  and  the  112 th  Il 
linois  the  last,  but  by  9  o'clock  in  the  evening  all  were  landed, 
and  the  brigade  moved  up  through  Fort  Fisher  arid  bivouack 
ed  about  two  miles  above  the  fort. 

Fort  Fisher  was  battered  and  broken,  the  effect  of  the  re 
cent  bombardment,  and  its  interior  and  the  sandy  beach  in 
front  were  covered  with  great  shells,  strewn  so  thickly  that 
one  could  walk  on  them. 

The  whole  cape  was  a  vast  body  of  white  sand,  with  no  trees 
or  shrubs  to  break  the  monotonous  landscape.  The  gunboats 
lay  olf  the  coast  and  in  the  mouth  of  the  Cape  Fear  River,  and 
threw  frequent  shells  into  the  rebel  lines.  The  continuous 
roar  of  the  sea,  as  the  huge  waves  rolled  in  upon  the  sandy 
shore,  was  new  music  to  our  western  ears,  and  amid  these  new 


298  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

surroundings  the  men  spread  their  blankets  upon  the  sand 
and  lay  down  to  sleep. 

The  3d  Division  remained  in  its  position  on.  Federal  Point 
until  the  9th  of  February,  waiting  for  tents  and  camp  equipage 
to  be  landed,  and  for  the  men  to  recover  from  the  effects  of 
sea-sickness,  incident  to  the  voyage  around  Cape  Hatteras. 

The  weather  was  cold,  and  the  sea  breezes . cut  to ..the  mar 
row,  but  in  the  afternoon  of  the  10th  the  tents  were  brought 
up  and  pitched,  and  all.  were  made  as  comfortable  as  the  cir 
cumstances  would  permit. 

The  horses  of  the  division  had  been  shipped  on  the  steamer 
"Nereus,"  a  much  smaller  vessel  than  the  Atlantic,  and  consid 
erable  anxiety  had  been  felt  for  its  safety.  It  weathered  the 
storm,  however,  though  with  the  loss  of  a  number  of  horses, 
and  in  the  afternoon  of  the  10th  came  steaming  into  the  harbor. 

The  Cape  Fear  River,  for  several  miles  near  its  mouth,  runs 
nearly  parallel  with  the;  coast.  Between  the  river  and  the  sea 
coast  is  a  sandy  tongue  called  Federal  Point.  Fort  Fisher  was 
situated  near  the  southern  point  of  this  narrow  tongue.  Myr 
tle  Sound  is  a  long,  narrow,  shallow  bay,  extending  from  a 
point  about  two  miles  north  of  Fort  Fisher  to  Masonboro  In 
let,  several  miles  further  north,  where  it  connects  with  the  sea. 
It  is  nearly  parallel  to  the  coast,  and  only  a  few  hundred  yards 
away  from  it,  and  the  land  between  the  sound  and  coast  is  a 
mere  key  of  sand.  Federal  Point,  from  Fort  Fisher  north  to 
Myrtle  Sound,  is  not  more  than  half  a  mile  wide — the  broad 
Atlantic  on  the  east  and  the  Cape  Fear  River  on  the  west — a 
barren,  desolate  strip  of  sand. 

The  Confederate  forces,  in  command  of  (Ten.  Hoke,  Avere  in 
trenched  about  two  miles  north  of  the  southern  end  of  Myrtle 
Sound,  on  a  line  extending  from  the  ..west'  side  of  the  sound 
west  to  the  Cape  Fear  River.  Nearly  opposite  the  right  of 
Hoke's  line,  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  on  a  projecting  point 
commanding  the  approaches  up  the  river,  wras  a  strong  fort, 
called  Fort  Anderson,  containing  several  heavy  guns  and  a 
considerable  force  of  Confederate  soldiers,  and  from  this  point 
the  river  was  planted  with  torpedoes  to  prevent  the  passage 
of  the  fleet  up  the  river. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE  CAMPAIGN   IN   NORTH    CAROLINA— CAPTURE  OF  FORT    ANDERSON. 
THE    FALL    OF   WILMINGTON— THE    MARCH   TO    GOLDSBORO. 

REUNITED    WITH    SHERMAN'S    ARMY. 
PREPARATIONS    FOR   A    FINAL     CAMPAIGN — BEGINNING   OF   THE    END. 

At  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  llth  of  February  Gen. 
Cox  moved  his  division  about  a  mile  up  the  cape  and  relieved 
Gen.  Terry's  reserves  in  his  second  line  of  works,  and  the  lat 
ter  were  moved  forward  to  reinforce  his  first  line.  Terry  then 
advanced  his  line,  drove  in  the  enemy's  skirmishers,  and  gam 
ed  and  held  a  position  close  up  to  the  enemy's  line  of  intrench- 
ments. 

At  the  same  time  the  navy  opened  fire  upon  the  enemy's  po 
sition  ;  and  the  gunboats  and  monitors  on  the  river  opened  on 
Fort  Anderson,  but  without  eliciting  a  reply. 

At  noon  the  gun-boats  advanced  to  a  position  near  the  fort, 
when  the  latter  opened  a  vigorous  fire  with  solid  shot,  and  they 
were  compelled  to  retire ;  but  a  little  monitor  ran  close  up  to 
the  fort  and  poured  shot  and  shell  into  it  with  a  vigor  that 
elicited  cheers  from  the  infantry.  The  fort  replied  with  its 
heavy  guns  at  short  range,  but  the  monitor  held  its  own  until 
ordered  to  retire. 

There  were  some  colored  troops  in  Terry's  corps,  and  in  ad 
vancing  his  lines  one  of  his  colored  soldiers  captured  a  prison 
er,  who  proved  to  be  the  negro's  former  owner.  As  the  color 
ed  soldier,  in  his  blue  uniform— an  emblem  of  his  freedom— 
with  bayonet  fixed  and  gun  at  right  shoulder  shift,  inarched 
proudly  to  the  rear  in  charge  of  his  prisoner,  his  black  face 
fairly  glistened  with  delight,  and  as  he  passed  through  our 
lines  he  exclaimed,  "I'se  got  'im  boys — I  done  got  'im."  "Got 


800  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

who'?1'  inquired  some  one.  "I'se  got  my  old  massa,  boys.  I 
tuk  'im  in,  I  did.  He's  my  prisoner,  ole  massa  is."  "Yes" 
said  the  prisoner.  "Sam  has  the  advantage  of  me  just  now." 
And  ex-master  and  slave  passed  to  the  rear,  the  face  of  each 
reflecting  his  feelings  beyond  the  power  of  words  to  express  or 
pen  to  describe. 

At  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  12th  (Sunday)  Gen. 
Cox's  division  of  the  23d  Corps,  and  Gen.  Ames'  division  of  the 
l()th  (Gen.  Terry's)  Corps  received  orders  to  be  ready  to  move 
at  dark  with  three  days  rations  and  seventy  rounds  of  cartridg 
es  per  man,  on  a  secret  night  expedition. 

The  object  of  the  expedition  was  to  lay  a  pontoon  bridge 
across  Myrtle  Sound  at  a  narrow  place  above  Hoke's  position, 
and  cross  the  sound  and  gain  a  position  in  his  rear.  The 
navy  was  to  convey  the  boats  up  the  coast  and  land  them  at 
the  designated  rendezvous,  where  the  infantry  was  to  receive 
them,  and  drag  them  across  the  sands  to  the  sound,  and  lay 
the  bridge.  The  divisions  moved  out  a  little  after  dark  and 
marched  down  to  the  beach,  and,  keeping  near  the  water's 
edge,  proceeded  up  the  coast  about  four  miles  to  the  designat 
ed  point.  The  wind  blew  a  gale  from  the  north  east,  and  the 
sea  ran  so  high  that  the  boats  could  not  be  landed.  The  weath 
er  was  intensely  cold,  the  night  very  dark,  and  as  the  men 
were  loaded  down  with  extra  rations  and  ammunition,  the 
march  in  the  soft  sand  was  extremely  tiresome.  The  infantry 
returned  to  its  former  position,  and  at  midnight  went  into 
camp,  weary  and  cold. 

On  the  night  of  the  14th  another  attempt  was  made  to  lay 
the  pontoons  across  the  sound.  The  command  moved  at  7 
o'clock,  each  man  loaded  with  three  days  rations  and  seventy 
rounds,  of  ammunition,  and  proceeded  to  the  same  place  as  be 
fore.  This  time  the  pontoons  were  loaded  upon  wagons  and 
an  effort  made  to  haul  them  forward  along  the  beach ;  but  it 
was  found  almost  impossible  to  do  so,  on  account  of  the  high 
tide  and  surf.  When  it  was  not  washed  by  the  sea,  the  sand 
was  too  deep. and  soft  for  the  teams  ;  and  nearer  the  water,  the 
sea  washed  them  off  their  feet.  They  made  slow  progress  ; 
and  before  the  teams  had  reached  half  way  to  the  ren 
dezvous,  the  moon  rose  and  revealed  the  troops  and  naval 


ABOUND  FORT  ANDERSON.          301 

squadron  to  the  enemy,  and  again  the  expedition  was  aban 
doned  and  the  men  returned  to  their  quarters,  reaching  camp 
about  3  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  15th. 

A  severe  storm  swept  the  coast  on  the  15th,  commencing  at 
6  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  continuing  until  afternoon.  The 
wind  blew  furiously  from  the  south  of  east,  arid  the  rain  fell 
in  torrents.  Tents  were  blown  down,  and  for  a  time  it  seemed 
*as  if  the  whole  camp  would  be  blown  into  the  river,  but  the 
storm  ceased  as  suddenly  as  it  had  commenced,  and  the  af 
ternoon  was  warm  and  pleasant.  At  9  o'clock  in  the  evening 
orders  were  received  at  division  headquarters  to  be  ready  to 
move  at  7  o'clock  the  following  morning.  The  next  day  Gen. 
Cox's  division  and  Gen.  Ames'  division  moved  down  to  the  ex 
treme  southern  point  of  the  cape,  and  were  ferried  across  to 
Smithville,  on  the  right  bank  of  Cape  Fear  Eiver.  Here  they 
were  joined  by  Col.  Moore's  brigade  of  the  '2nd  Division  of  the 
23d  Corps,  which  had  just  landed  ;  and  Gen.  Cox  was  directed 
to  take  command  of  the  whole  force,  and  advance  upon  Fort 
Anderson  and  capture  or  turn  it.  The  command  camped  on 
the  night  of  the  16th  half  a  mile  above  Smithville. 

Cox's  division  and  Moore's  brigade  marched  at  9  o'clock  on 
the  17th,  the  112th  Illinois  in  the  advance,  with  companies  A, 
F,  D  and  I  deployed  as  skirmishers.  At  Governor's  Creek, 
three  miles  above  Smithville,  the  enemy's  cavalry  were  met 
and  pressed  back,  by  a  continuous  skirmish,  to  within  two 
miles  of  the  fort.  A  line  was  established,  Henderson's  brigade 
on  the  right,  its  right  flank  near  the  river,  and  communication 
opened  with  the  navy,  which  was  cooperating  with  the  land 
forces.  The  only  casualty  in  the  112th  was  James  A'.  Chase, 
of  Co.  D,  slightly  wounded  on  the  skirmish  line.  The  distance 
marched  during  the  day  was  ten  miles,  through  a  country  nev 
er  before  invaded  by  Union  troops.  The  people  had  never 
seen  any  Union  soldiers  ;  and  as  the  command  marched  along 
the  road,  the  negroes,  old  and  young,  men,  women  and  chil 
dren,  some  as  black  as  tar,  others  scarcely  brown,  and  a  few 
as  white  as  their  masters,  came  running  out  from  the  planta 
tions,  singing  and  shouting  with  joy  and  thanksgiving  at  the 
presence  of  "Massa  Linkin's  sogers.v  Some  of  them  k'neeled 
upon  the  ground  and  offered  up  their  simple  prayers  of  praise 


3O2  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  thanksgiving  to  Him  who  is  the  God  of  the  slave  as  well 
as  of  the  master ;  others  rolled  in  the  dust  and  gave  vent  to 
their  feelings  in  wild  yells  of  delight ;  while  the  younger  por 
tion  of  them  ran  and  kicked  and  jumped  about  like  a  lot  of 
young  colts  ;  and  some  of  the  women  actually  rushed  into  the 
ranks  and  wanted  to  embrace  and  kiss  some  of  "Massa  Lin- 
kin's  sogers."  It  was  both  an  affecting  and  a  laughable  scene 
— a  prayer  meeting  and  a  circus  combined — the  sublime  and 
the  ridiculous  in  one  act. 

The  negroes  were  as  ignorant  as  cattle  ;  they  had  never  seen 
a  Union  soldier ;  yet,  instinctively  perhaps,  they  knew  that  the 
presence  of  the  boys  in  blue  meant  freedom  to  them.  Their 
days  of  slavery  were  ended  ;  they  knew  not  how  nor  why ;  they 
did  not  care  ;  it  was  enough  for  them  to  know  that  the  "day  of 
jubilee"  had  come,  without  asking  or  caring  for  the  cause. 
They  were  supremely  happy— happier  in  anticipation  of  future 
freedom  than  they  have  been  in  its  realization. 

At  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  18th  the  command  again 
advanced,  in  line  of  battle,  skirmishing  sharply  with  the  ene 
my,  and  driving  them  within  the  fortifications.  A  position 
was  gained  within  half  a  mile  of  the  fort,  and  Gen.  Hender 
son's  and  Col.  Moore's  brigades  intrenched,  the  right  of  the 
former  resting  on  the  river,  to  invest  the  fort  on  that  side ; 
while  Gen.  Cox,  with  the  1st  and  2nd  brigades  of  his  division, 
made  a  detour  to  the  left  to  turn  the  position.  A  line  of  trench 
es,  protected  by  abattis,  ran  at  right  angles  from  the  fort  to 
the  foot  of  Orton's  Pond,  a  lake  several  miles  in  length ;  and 
sending  orders  to  Gen.  Ames  to  follow  him  with  his  division, 
Gen,  Cox  marched  with  his  two  brigades  fifteen  miles  around 
and  to  the  head  of  the  pond.  In  the  meantime  the  two  brig 
ades  in  position  kept  up  active  demonstrations  upon  the  fort, 
and  the  navy  continued  to  cannonade  it  during  the  day,  and 
at  intervals  during  the  following  night. 

Corporal  James  Stitt,  of  Co.  D,  112th  Illinois,  was  wounded 
in  the  advance  upon  Fort  Anderson  on  the  18th — the  only  cas 
ualty  in  the  regiment.  A  musket  ball  struck  his  watch,  pass 
ed  through  both  cases,  then  dropped  down  and  passed  through 
the  groin.  The  watch  saved  his  life.  It  was  a  narrow  escape. 
Corporal  Stitt  has  never  regretted  the  loss  of  his  watch,  how- 


THEBE  FOE  BUSINESS.  308 

ever.    He  still  has  the  bullet,  which  he  has  preserved  as  a  sou 
venir  of  the  war,  and  as  a  reminder  of  his  "close  call." 

The  men  of  Henderson's  and  Moore's  brigades  lay  on  their 
arms  the  night  of  the  18th,  under  orders  to  make  a  bold  dem 
onstration  upon  the  fort  at  daylight  on  the  following  morning, 
while  Gen.  Cox,  at  the  same  time,  moved  rapidly  upon  the  en 
emy's  flank,  to  turn  the  position. 

Gen.  Schofield's  headquarters  were  on  a  small  steamer  on 
the  river,  where  he  could  communicate  with  greater  facility 
with  either  Cox  or  Terry ;  and  after  Gen.  Cox  had  commenced 
his  movement  towards  the  head  of  Orton's  Pond,  Sc-holield 
recognized  Gen.  Henderson  as  being  in  command  of  the  two 
remaining  brigades,  and  directed  his  orders  to  him  accordingly. 
"  A  strong  skirmish  line  was  detailed  from  Henderson's  bri 
gade,  and  posted  in  position  by  Capt.  S.  F.  Otnian,  Brigade 
Inspector  General,  in  command  of  Major  Wileox  of  the  63d 
Indiana;  and,  under  instructions  from  Gen.  Schofield,  Gen. 
Henderson  directed  Major  Wilcox  to  be  watchful  and  vigilant 
— as  it  was  feared  the  enemy  might  attempt  to  evade  Cox  by 
making  a  sortie  upon  Henderson's  line,  and  endeavor  to  break 
through  arid  make  their  escape  down  the  coast. 

But  now  a  new  question  arose.  Col.  Moore  claimed  that  his 
commission  as  colonel  ante-dated  Henderson's,  and  that  con 
sequently  he  outranked  Henderson,  and  was  entitled  to  the 
command.  Gen.  Schofield  sent  for  Gen.  Henderson  and  in 
formed  him  of  Moore's  claim.  Gen.  Henderson  promptly 
wraived  the  point ;  and  informed  Schofield  that  he  was  not 
there  to  quibble  about  rank,  but  to  assist  in  taking  Fort  An 
derson  and  capturing  Wilmington.  The  disposition  of  the 
troops  for  the  night  had  already  been  made  by  Gen.  Hender 
son,  and  he  returned  to  his  headquarters,  prepared  to  yield 
the  command  to  Col.  Moore  whenever  the  latter  was  ready  to 
assume  it. 

The  gun-boats  on  the  river  threw  an  occasional  shell  into  the 
fort  during  the  night ;  and  about  3  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the  19ch  Major  Wilcox  discovered  signs  of  an  evacuation  of 
the  fort.  (He  immediately  ordered  an  advance  of  the  skirmish 
line,  and  firing  one  volley  as  they  advanced,  the  skirmishers 
pushed  forward,  scaled  the  walls  of  the  fort,  and  found  that 


804  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

both  the  fort  and  the  line  of  trenches  extending  towards  the 
foot  of  Orion's  Pond  had  been  abandoned. ^The  rebel  rear 
guard  was  just  leaving  the  fort  as  the  skirmishers 'climbed  ov 
er  the  walls,  and  about  forty  prisoners  were  captured.  The 
garrison  flag,  which  was  rolled  up  and  had  evidently  fallen  off 
a  wagon,  was  also  found  and  taken  possession  of.  When  the 
firing  on  the  skirmish  line  was  heard,  Gen.  Henderson  ordered 
his  brigade  to  stand  to  arms,  and  it  remained  in  that  posi 
tion,  awaiting  developments,  until  daylight.  At  day-break 
the'navy'opened  a  vigorous  fire  upon  the  fort.  Of  course  there 
was  no  reply;  but  the  fire  was  continued  until  Major  Wilcox 
ran  up  the  stars  and  stripes.  That  seemed  to  satisfy  the  na 
vy  that  the  fort  had  surrendered,  or  was  ready  to  surrender, 
and  a  boat  manned  with  marines,  with  a  naval  officer,  put  off 
from  the  fleet  and  rowed  up  to  the  fort.  The  officer  landed 
and  took  formal  possession  of  the  fort,  "in  the  name  of  the 
United  States  Navy"  ;  and  the  next  day  the  New  York  papers 
announced  in  glaring  head-lines  that  Fort  Anderson  had  been 
captured  by  the  naval  forces  on  Cape  Fear  Kiver. 

To  complete  the  farce,  Col.  Moore,  as  soon  as  he  had  dis 
covered  the  situation  of  affairs,  ordered  his  brigade  into  line 
and  actually  went  through  the  form  of  making  an  assault  up 
on  the  abandoned  rebel  works ;  and  some  of  our  men,  who 
were  returning  from  the  fort,  met  his  brigade  advancing  in 
line  of  battle,  with  fixed  bayonets,  upon  the  empty  fort  and 
line  of  trenches.  Col.  Moore  and  the  naval  squadron  may 
have  succeeded  in  "dividing  the  honors  ;"  but  the  fact  remains 
that  Major  Wilcox  and  his  skirmishers  were  the  first  to  take 
possession  of  the  fort,  and  captured  all  the  prisoners  that  were 
taken.  The  garrison  flag  was  found  by  some  of  the  skirmish 
ers  belonging  to  the  140th  Indiana,  and  it  was  afterwards  pre 
sented  to  Gov.  Morton  of  Indiana,  by  Col.  Brady,  in  a  glowing 
speech  about  the  captured  flag,  in  front  of  the  National  Hotel, 
in  Washington,  on  the  17th  of  March,  1865.  A  large  crowd 
was  in  attendance  and  after  Gov.  Morton  had  replied  to  Col. 
Brady's  presentation  speech,  President  Lincoln,  who  was 
present,  also  made  a  speech.  This  was  another  farce — the 
flag  was  not  captured,  it  was  found. 

Ten  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance  and  a  considerable  quantity 


AT  TOWN  CREEK.  305 

of  ordnance  stores,  which  the  rebels  had  been  unable  to  move, 
were  captured  in  the  fort. 

Henderson's  brigade  immediately  drew  three  days  rations 
and  started  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  rebels.  Marched  three 
miles  011  the  Wilmington  road,  when  orders  were  received 
from  Gen.  Schofielcl  to  htflt  and  await  the  arrival  of  Gen.  Cox 
with  the  other  brigades.  At  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  Gen. 
Cox  arrived  and  the  command  again  moved  forward,  and  driv 
ing  the  enemy's  rear  guard  before  it,  marched  to  Town  Creek, 
a  narrow,  deep,  unfordable  stream  emptying  into  the  Cape 
Fear  Paver.  The  enemy  retreated  to  the  north  bank  of  the 
creek,  to  a  strong  line  of  earthworks  and  a  fort  which  had  been 
previously  built  on  a  bluff  twenty  feet  above  the  water,  and  re 
moved  the  planking  from  the  bridge,  and  with  a  Whitworth 
riiied  cannon  and  two  smooth  twelve-pounder  field  pieces 
sweeping  the  approaches  to  the  bridge,  awaited  our  advance. 
The  rebel  forces  consisted  of  Hagood's  brigade  of  Hoke's  divis 
ion,  and  one  other  regiment,  numbering  about  eighteen  hun 
dred  men ;  but  their  position  was  a  strong  one,  with  a  deep 
river  in  their  front,  and  it  required  skill  and  courage  to  dis 
lodge  them.  On  the  east  side  of  the  river  the  enemy  retreated 
to  a  strong  position  opposite  the  mouth  of  Town  Creek,  closely 
pursued  by  Gen.  Terry;  and  as  the  principal  force  of  the  en 
emy  appeared  to  be  on  that  side,  Gen.  Ames'  division  recross- 
ed  the  river  on  the  19th  and  reinforced  Terry. 

Henderson's  brigade  gained  a  position  well  up  to  Town 
Creek,  and  a  strong  line  of  skirmishers  worked  their  way 
through  the  sandy  marsh  to  the  edge  of  the  stream,  within 
easy  range  of  the  enemy's  works,  and  dug  rirle  pits  for  protec 
tion  against  the  enemy's  guns.  An  old  negro  informed  Gen. 
Henderson  of  a  small  flat-boat  two  miles  down  the  river,  and 
he  sent  a  squad  of  men  to  secure  and  guard  the  boat. 

Early  <:-n  the  morning  of  the  20i.li  the  rebel  artillery  opened 
lire  (;ii  •  Henderson's  line,  but  the  Union  artillery  replied  with 
telling  oil'ect,  and  their  Whitworth  gun  was  soon  disabled. 
The  skirmish  line  was  strengthened,  and  from  the  rifle  pits  on 
the  bunk  of  the  creek  covered  the  enemy's  works  so  completely 
that  none  dared  show  themselves  above  the  parapet.  Their 
—•20 


306  HISTOBY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

two  remaining  guns  were  also  silenced.  Several  attempts  were 
made  to  withdraw  them,  but  every  man  who  approached  the 
gnns  fell  beneath  the  deadly  fire  of  the  Union  sharpshooters. 
Jabez  Bath,  of  Co.  D,  was  injured  in  the  head  by  the  concus 
sion  of  an  exploding  shell— the  only  casualty  in  the  112th  Illi 
nois  during  the  day. 

In  the  meantime  Gen.  Cox  had  proceeded  down  the  river 
with  the  three  other  brigades,  and  they  were  being  ferried 
across  in  the  old  flat-boat.  The  boat  would  carry  only  fifty 
men,  and  it  was  late  in  the  afternoon  when  the  whole  force 
had  crossed.  Here  a  new  difficulty  met  them.  The  country 
was  covered  with  swamps  and  dykes,  impassable  for  horses  ; 
but  the  men  succeeded  in  wading  them,  and  lien.  Cox  march 
ed  the  two  brigades  of  his  division  rapidly  for  the  Wilmington 
road,  sending  Col.  Moore  with  his  brigade  to  intercept  the  reb 
el  forces  on  another  road  further  west,  and  prevent  their  re 
treat  in  that  direction.  Gen.  Cox  fell  upon  the  Confederate 
flank  and  rear  and  after  a  short,  sharp  fight,  captured  the 
commanding  officer  and  four  hundred  men  and  both  pieces  of 
artillery.  The  remainder  of  the  Confederate  forces  made  their 
escape  by  the  west  road— Col.  Moore  having  failed  to  reach  it 
in  time  to  cut  off  their  retreat — and  retreated  to  Wilmington. 
The  bridge  was  repaired,  and  Henderson's  brigade  crossed 
and  occupied  the  enemy's  works. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  21st  the  command  was  again 
in  motion,  and  marched  rapidly  toward  Wilmington,  driving 
the  enemy's  skirmishers  without  serious  difficulty.  The  enemy 
destroyed  the  bridge  over  Mill  Creek,  six  miles  above  Town 
Creek,  which  caused  several  hours  delay,  but  early  in  the  af 
ternoon  the  command  reached  Brunswick  Ferry,  opposite 
Wilmington.  The  west  channel  of  the  Cape  Fear  River,  where 
it  passes  around  Eagle  Island,  in  front  of  Wilmington,  is  call 
ed  Brunswick  River.  The  island  is  about  a  mile  wide,  a  low 
marsh,  crossed  by  a  narrow  road.  The  "Wilmington  and  Man 
chester  railroad  crosses  Brunswick  River  to  the  island,  and 
thence  crosses  the  Cape  Fear  River  to  the  city.  The  rebels 
burned  the  railroad  bridge,  and  it  was  still  smoking  when  our 
command  arrived.  They  had  a  pontoon  bridge  across  Bruns 
wick  River  at  the  ferry,  which  they  attempted  to  destroy,  but 


AT  BRUNSWICK  RIVER.  307 

were  in  too  great  haste  to  succeed.  The  boats  were  recovered 
and  a  detachment  ferried  across  to  the  island,  and  a  field  bat 
tery  of  rifled  guns,  which  was  placed  in  position  to  cover  the 
movement,  threw  its  shells  across  both  rivers  and  the  island 
into  the  city. 

Henderson's  brigade  was  placed  in1  position  fronting  to  the 
rear,  and  constructed  breastworks  to  guard  against  a  possible 
attack  by  Hardee,  who  was  reported  to  be  advancing  from 
Charleston ;  and  the  remaining  troops  were  engaged  in  re 
pairing  and  relaying  the  pontoon  bridge.  Heavy  columns  of 
black  smoke  in  the  city  indicated  the  destruction  of  naval 
stores  and  preparations  to  evacuate  the  town. 

Hoke,  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  resisted  Terry's  advance 
so  stubbornly  that  it  was  supposed  he  had  been  reinforced,  and 
would  attempt  an  aggressive  movement ;  and  Gen.  Schoneld 
directed  Gen.  Cox  to  send  part  of  his  command  to  reinforce 
Terry.  Accordingly  at  one  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  22nd, 
Henderson's  and  Moore's  brigades  marched  for  the  mouth  of 
Town  Creek,  where  boats  were  directed  to  meet  them  and  fer 
ry  the  troops  across  Cape  Fear  River.  After  proceeding  sev 
eral  miles,  Henderson's  brigade  was  directed  to  return  to 
Brunswick  Ferry,  and  the  brigade  countermarched  and  pro 
ceeded  about  two  miles  back,  when  another  order  directed 
Gen.  Henderson  to  proceed  down  the  river  in  accordance  with 
the  first  order ;  and  the  brigade  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  Town 
Creek  at  daylight  the  following  morning.  Moore's  brigade 
crossed  the  river  and  joined  Terry ;  but  Gen.  Henderson  wras 
directed  to  hold  his  brigade  on  the  bank  of  the  river  and  await 
further  orders.  But  Hoke,  instead  of  commencing  an  aggress 
ive  movement,  had  retreated  during  the  night,  and  at  daylight 
the  Union  army  marched  into  Wilmington. 

The  lieet  sailed  up  the  river  with  flags  at  every  mast  head, 
and  at  noon  a  salute  of  one  hundred  guns  was  fired,  to  doubly 
celebrate  the  day- -the  day  of  victory  and  Washington's  birth 
day—and  there  was  general  rejoicing  among  all  the  Union 
troops.  Another  Confederate  stronghold  had  fallen  ;  the  "last 
breathing  hole"  of  the  rebellion  had  been  closed  ;  another  stone 
had  been  removed  from  the  foundation  of  the  Confederacy, 


308  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  ere  long  the  temple  of  secession  would  tumble  in  ruins  up 
on  the  heads  of  its  projectors. 

On  the  23d  Henderson's  brigade  returned  to  Brunswick  Fer 
ry,  arriving  there  at  noon.  The  112th  Illinois  was  detailed  to 
guard  the  pontoon  bridge,  and  the  rest  of  the  brigade  crossed 
over  to  Wilmington.  The  regiment  went  into  position  cover 
ing  the  bridge,  and  built  strong  works  in  front  and  on  the 
flanks  to  guard  against  attack. 

At  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  26th  several  sharp  loco 
motive  whistles  in  the  direction  of  the  picket  post,  near  the 
railroad,  startled  the  camp,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Bond,  command 
ing  the  regiment,  directed  the  Adjutant  to  ride  out  and  ascer 
tain  what  it  meant.  He  found  a  locomotive  and  train  of  cars 
just  outside  the  pickets,  displaying  a  flag  of  truce  ;  and  on  go 
ing  out  was  met  by  Major  Lay  of  Gen.  Hardee's  staff,  with 
dispatches  from  Gen.  Hardee  to  Gen.  Schoiielcl.  The  Major 
explained  the  nature  of  the  dispatches,  and  requested  the  Ad 
jutant  to  carry  them  to  Gen.  Schoiield.  Gen.  Schofield  was 
absent  from  his  headquarters,  and  Major  Lay  and  his  party 
remained  until  the  next  afternoon,  waiting  for  a  reply,  becom 
ing  very  impatient  at  the  delay,  in  the  meantime,  and  necessi 
tating  several  trips  to  Gen.  Schofield's  headquarters  at  Wil 
mington  by  the  Adjutant  of  the  112th. 

The  object  of  the  visit  was  to  arrange  for  an  exchange  of 
prisoners,  which  was  satisfactorily  accomplished.  On  the 
28th  a  large  number  of  Union  prisoners  were  brought  down 
the  river  to  Wilmington  and  exchanged,  among  whom  were 
Lieut.  H.  G.  Griffin  and  Quartermaster  George  C.  Alden  of  the 
112th  Illinois;  and  011  the  first  day  of  March  a  train  load  of 
ten  hundred  and  fifty  men  was  brought  into  the  camp  of  the 
112th  Illinois.  They  were  in  box  cars  too  dirty  for  human  oc 
cupants,  and  the  condition  of  the  men  was  too  horrible  to  re 
late.  The  prisoners  were  from  Florence  and  other  points 
threatened  by  Sherman's  army  as  it  advanced  northward,  and 
the  Confederate  authorities  were  compelled  to  send  them  in 
for  exchange  to  keep  them  out  of  the  way  of  Sherman.  Among 
them  were  a  number  of  our  comrades,  members  of  the  112th 
Illinois,  who  had  been  captured  in  Tennessee  and  Georgia,  and 
their  surprise  and  joy  may  be  imagined — it  cannot  be  express- 


AX  EXCHANGE  OF  PRISONERS.  309 

ed — when  they  found  their  own  regiment  at  Wilmington  to  re 
ceive  them.  They  did  not  dream  the  regiment  was  in  the 
East,  and  when  they  so  unexpectedly  met  their  old  friends  and 
comrades,  many  of  them  wept  like  children.  The  condition 
of  these  prisoners  was  deplorable.  "They  were  as  black  as  tar  ; 
alive  with  vermin  ;  a  majority  of  them  helpless;  many  verg 
ing  on  insanity  :  others,  who  had  been  wounded,  were  actually 
rotten  ;  and  all  were  emaciated  and  half-starved.  The  Con 
federate  officers  excused  their  condition  by  saying  that  these 
were  the  worst  cases  ;  but  the  men  denied  this,  and  affirmed 
that  the)'  were  the  best  cases,  and  that  the  worst  cases  could 
not  be  moved.  They  were  sent  to  the  hospital,  and  some  of 
them  were  sent  home  on  furlough.  A  majority  were  too  fee 
ble  to  travel,  and  many  of  them  died  in  the  hospitals. 

Gen.  Henderson  informs  the  author  that  lie  visited  the  hos 
pital  in  Wilmington,  the  next  day,  and  counted  .s/.rf//  newly 
filled  coffins,  containing  the  remains  of  exchanged  prisoners 
who  had  died  in  one  night ;  and  this  death  rate  continued 
day  after  day. 

The  causeless  war  upon  the  Union  may  be  forgiven;  North 
ern  and  Southern  soldiers  may  meet  in  fraternal  friendship  ; 
Northern  and  Southern  politicians  may  clasp  hands  across 
the  "bloody  chasm,"  and  affirm  the  existence  of  political  rec 
onciliation  ;  Northern  and  Southern  ministers  may  preach  the 
gospel  of  peace  and  good  will  toward  all  men ;  sectional  strife 
may  be  ended,  sectional  wounds  be  healed,  and  the  people  of 
the  North  and  South  join  hands  in  a  common  effort  to  advance 
the  prosperity  and  happiness  of  the  whole  country  ;  all  this  is 
well,  and  as  it  should  be.  But  the  curse  of  God  and  man 
should  rest  forever  upon  the  heads  of  the  men  guilty  of  the 
cruel  and  barbarous  treatment  of  our  Union  prisoners  of  war. 
That  is  a  crime  never  to  be  forgotten  nor  forgiven.  Not  the 
people  of  the  South  ;  nor  their  brave  soldiers  who  fought  in 
the  ranks,  nor  the  officers  who  led  them  to  battle  are  respons 
ible  ;  but  the  head  of  their  pretended  government  and  his  se 
lected  tools  and  agents,  in  military  and  civil  offices,  are  res 
ponsible  ;  and  every  one  of  them  should  have  been  hanged, 
for  murder,  if  not  for  treason.  When  the  exchange  train  pulled 
out  of  our  lines  to  return  south,  not  a  guard  accompanied  it— 


810  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

every  one  of  them  had  deserted — and  they  were  glad  to  escape 
from  the  rebel  army.  The  Confederate  officers  filled  the  air 
with  curses,  loud  and  deep,  but  it  did  no  good.  Their  guards 
were  safely  concealed,  and  were  sent  to  Wilmington,  willing 
prisoners  of  war. 

On  the  26th  of  February  Gen.  Cox  was  detached  from  his 
command  at  Wilmington  and  proceeded  by  sea  to  Newbern,  to 
take  command  of  the  troops  there  and  open  a  line  of  commun 
ication  and  repair  the  railroad  from  Newbern  to  Goldsboro,  by 
way  of  Kinston,  which  he  succeeded  in  accomplishing  after 
considerable  hard  fighting.  The  3d  Division  was  thereafter 
commanded  by  Gen.  Keilly  until  he  retired  from  the  army, 
and  then  by  Gen.  8.  P.  Carter  until  the  end.  Gen.  Cox  soon 
after  took  command  of  the  corps,  and  Gen.  Schofield  com 
manded  the  Department  of  North  Carolina. 

On  the  27th  Col.  Moore's  brigade  returned  to  the  west  side 
of  the  Brunswick  Eiver  and  went  into  position  near  the  112th 
Illinois,  in  anticipation  of  an  attack- from  the  south  by  Hardee 
with  the  skeleton  of  Hood's  old  army. 

On  the  28th  the  troops  were  paid  by  Major  G.  P.  Sanford, 
to  Dec.  31,  1864. 

At  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  March  4th  the  112th  Illinois 
broke  camp,  crossed  the  rivers,  and  joined  the  brigade  in  Wil 
mington.  Col.  Moore's  brigade  was  relieved  by  a  brigade  of 
Terry's  corps,  and  also  returned  to  Wilmington.  On  the  5th 
of  March  the  2nd  and  3d  divisions  of  the  23d  Corps — the  1st 
Division  being  at  Newbern — were  ordered  to  be  ready  to  move 
at  daylight  the  following  morning,  and  all  were  busy  during 
the  day  making  the  necessary  preparations.  Moved  at  seven 
o'clock  on  the  6th,  and  marched  sixteen  miles  on  the  Newbern 
road.  Moved  at  daylight  on  the  7th  and  marched  eighteen 
miles.  Left  the  Newbern  road  to  the  right  and  took  the  Kin 
ston  road.  Our  route  lay  through  a  flat,  swampy  country, 
sparcely  inhabited,  thickly  wooded  with  pine ;  the  principal, 
if  not  only,  industry  of  the  few  inhabitants  being  the  gather 
ing  of  turpentine.  This  was  done  by  cutting  notches  in  the 
trees  and  dipping  out  the  turpentine  with  wooden  spoons. 
Traveled  thirteen  miles  on  the  7th  without  seeing  a  dwelling 
house. 


LAND  OK  WATER  V  811 

Moved  at  7  o'clock  on  the  8th,  and  marched  twelve  miles. 
On  the  9th  moved  at  0  o'clock  and  marched  sixteen  miles.  On 
the  10th  moved  at  5  o'clock  and  marched  thirteen  miles.  Mov 
ed  at  2  o'clock  011  the  morning  of  the  llth,  and  marched  fourteen 
miles,  over  the  worst  roads  ever  traveled  by  man,  and  through 
the  worst  country  on  the  continent.  Our  route  all  day  was 
through  swamps  covered  with  water  from  three  inches  to  three 
feet  deep,  and  it  was  doubtful  whether  the  country  was  land  or 
water.  Camped  at  night  on  the  Newbern  and  Kinston  road, 
near  the  Trent  River  about  seven  miles  from  the  latter  place, 
near  the  command  of  Gen.  Cox,  who  had  driven  the  enemy 
back  to  Kinston. 

The  march  from  Wilmington,  of  nearly  one  hundred  miles, 
through  swamps  overflowed  with  water,  and  creeks,  was  the 
hardest  we  ever  made.  The  water  and  sand  ruined  the  men's 
boots  and  shoes,  and  nearly  every  one  was  bare-footed,  and 
their  feet  sore  and  swollen.  At  11  o'clock  on  the  12th  the  com 
mand  moved  two  miles  toward  Kinston  and  went  into 
camp.  The  command  remained  in  camp  on  the  13th.  The 
enemy  evacuated  Kinston  on  the  14th  and  the  National  troops 
occupied  the  town.  Henderson's  brigade  moved  three  miles 
and  occupied  a  position  on  Southwest  Creek,  three  miles  from 
Kinston,  on  the  Newbem  and  Goldsboro  road. 

On  the  15th  heavy  details  from  nearly  every  regiment  were 
set  to  work  repairing  the  railroad  and  building  a  wagon  road 
over  the  Neuse  liiver.  The  command  remained  here,  repair 
ing  and  perfecting  lines  of  communication  from  Newbern  and 
Wilmington,  and  accumulating  supplies,  until  the  20th  of 
March. 

On  the  19th  heavy  cannonading  was  heard  in  the  direction 
of  Goldsboro,  which  was  supposed  to  be  Kilpatrick's  cavalry, 
but  which  we  afterward  learned  was  the  battle  of  Bentonville, 
between  Sherman  and  Johnston,  fifty  miles  away. 

The  men  were  supplied  with  seventy  rounds  of  ammunition 
on  the  morning  of  the  20th,  and  at  7  o'clock  moved  out  on  the 
Goldsboro  road  and  marched  thirteen  miles.  Moved  at  5  :30 
on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  toward  Goldsboro.  The  command 
was  delayed  nearly  four  hours  during  the  day,  but  reached 
Goldsboro  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  having  marched 


312  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

twenty  miles  in  a  heavy  rain  storm,  over  muddy  roads,  and 
went  into  bivouac  for  the  night.  Heavy  cannonading  heard 
west  of  Goldsboro  was  evidence  that  Sherman  was  not  far  away. 

On  the  '22d  the  3d  Division  of  the  23d  Corps  moved  into  po 
sition  on  the  north  side  of  town  and  constructed  heavy  works. 
Received  news  of  Sherman's  victory  at  Bentonville.  On  the 
23d  of  March  Sherman  marched  into  Goldsboro,  "bummers" 
and  all,  and  again  was  reassembled  the  grand  army  of  the 
West  under  its  old  invincible  commander.  In  the  afternoon 
Sherman  reviewed  the  23d  Corps  and  expressed  himself  as 
greatly  pleased  with  its  appearance,  and  glad  to  again  meet 
its  officers  and  men. 

A  train  of  cars  arrived  at  Goldsboro  on  the  same  day  of 
Sherman's  arrival,  and  supplies  were  receive:!  by  rail,  and  al 
so  by  water  to  Kins  ton  and  thence  by  army  wagons  to  Golds 
boro.  The  Wilmington  railroa:!  w,u  aho  repaired  and  put  in 
operation,  and  supplies  brought  forward  by  that  rcute. 

On  the  24th  the  1st  and  2nd  divisions  of  the  23d  Corps  re 
turned  to  Kinston  to  guard  the  railroad — the  3d  Division  re 
maining  at  Goldsboro. 

And  now  the  work  of  accumulating  supplies  and  preparing 
for  a  new  campaign,  which  it  was  intended  should  give  the  re 
bellion  its  death-blow,  commenced  in  earnest.  Officers  and 
men  were  enthusiastic  and  confident  that  the  end  \\as  near  at 
hand.  Gen.  Grant  held  Lee  in  his  iron  grasp  at  .Richmond 
and  Petersburg.  The  4th  Corps,  under  Gen.  Wood,  was  at 
Bull's  Gap,  fifty  miles  northeast  of  Knoxville,  to  present  Lee's 
escape  into  East  Tennessee.  Sherman,  with  an  arn.y  nearly 
equal  to  Grant's,  was  prepared  to  intercept  his  retrtat  south, 
and  altogether  the  outlook  for  an  early  termination  of  the  war 
was  indeed  cheering ;  and  yet  it  came  sooner  than  we  then  ex 
pected. 


CHAPTER  XXYI. 

THE    FALL    OF '^RICHMOND — A    JOLLY    CELEBRATION. 
THE    MARCH    TO    RALEIGH — LEF/S    SURRENDER — ANOTHER     JUBILEE. 

NEWS    OF    THE    ASSASSINATION    OF    PRESIDENT    LINCOLN. 

SURRENDER    OF   JOHNSTON — OCCUPATION    OF    GREENSBORO. 

THE    WAR    ENDED — PREPARING    FOR    MUSTER    OUT. 

At  Goldsboro  the  17th  Regiment  of  Massachusetts  Infantry 
was  added  to  Gen.  Henderson's  brigade.  It^was  an  excellent 
regiment ;  but  the  eastern  and  Jwestern  boys  did  not  always 
agree,  and  several  quarrels  were  indulged  in  between  the  New 
England  "Yankees"  and  the  "Hoosiers"  and  "Suckers."  Truth, 
however,  compels  the  statement  that  the  Hoosiers  and  Suck 
ers  were  most  frequently  to  blame. 

Col.  Stiles  had  been  promoted  to  Brevet  Brigadier  General, 
and  was  in  command  of  a  brigade  in  the  1st  Division.  He  en 
deavored  to  have  the  63d  Indiana — his  own  regiment — trans 
ferred  to  his  brigade ;  but  every  officer  in  the  regiment  pro 
tested  against  the  transfer,  and  the  63d  remained  in  Gen. 
Henderson's  brigade. 

On  the  3d  of  April  Capt.  John  L.  Dow,  of  Co.  A,  112th  Illi 
nois,  was  appointed  Provost  Marshal  of  the  23d  Corps,  and 
served  as  such  until  mustered  out  of  service  in  the  following 
June. 

Sherman's  army  remained  at  Goldsboro,  accumulating  sup 
plies,  refitting  and  making  preparations  for  the  contemplated 
final  campaign  of  the  war,  until  the  tenth  of  April.  On  the 
3lst  of  March  Gen.  Henderson's  brigade  was  ordered  out  on  a 


814  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

reconnoissance  and  encountered  the  enemy's  cavalry  pickets 
within  two  miles  of  camp ;  drove  them  about  three  miles,  up 
on  their  main  force  ;  killed  one  and  captured  three,  and  re 
turned  to  camp  at  dark. 

Sherman's  part  in  the  final  combination  was  to  move  his 
whole  army  north  of  Raleigh,  and  thence  to  Weldon  on  the 
Roanoke  River  ;  and  on  the  5th  of  April  orders  were  issued  for 
the  new  campaign  to  open  on  the  10th ;  hut  on  the  6th  news  of 
the  evacuation  of  Richmond  and  Petersburg  was  received,  and 
that  Lee  was  pushing  toward  Danville,  which  changed  the 
plan  of  the  campaign. 

The  whole  army  was  wild  with  excitement.  Bands  were 
playing,  cannon  roaring,  rockets  screaming,  bon-fires  blazing, 
and  soldiers  cheering.  All  was  noise  and  confusign — a  gener 
al  uproar,  a  grand  jubilee;  a  fourth  of  July  celebration,  a 
merry  Christmas,  a  happy  New  Year  and  a  hearty  Thanksgiv 
ing,  all  combined.  Men  who  never  smiled,  laughed ;  men 
who  never  prayed,  thanked  the  good  Lord  for  signs  of  peace  ; 
men  who  never  sang,  shouted  "hallelujah,"  men  who  never 
drank  got  drunk. 

Capt.  D.  K.  Hall,  our  brigade  Quartermaster,  obtained  a 
liberal  supply  of  milk  and  whisky,  and  invited  all  the  officers 
of  the  brigade  and  the  112th  Illinois  band  to  assemble  at  Gen. 
Henderson's  headquarters.  The  invitation  was  accepted, 
without  a  single  exception.  Music,  speeches  and  punch  flow 
ed  freely.  All  were  happy  and  jolly,  if  not  mellow.  Gen. 
Henderson,was  suffering  with  a  sick-headache,  and  after  mak 
ing  an  excellent  speech  retired,  and  did  not  further  participate 
in  the  celebration ;  but  his  staff  officers  more  than  made  up 
for  his  absence. 

The  Colonel  of  an  Indiana  regiment,  who  has  since  attained 
National  notoriety,  was  called  upon  for  a  speech.  With  great 
difficulty  he  got  upon  his  feet,  and  said  :  "Fellow  so'gers  and 
c'rmr'des ;  I  can't  find  wo'ds  to  'xpress  my  feelings  on  this 
'portant  'casion.  1  can  only  say,  in  the  classic  language  of 
that  great  and  good  man,  Davy  Crocket,  of  whom  you've  all 
heard,  'Let's  take  another  drink.'  '  And  all  took  another 
drink. 

Dress  parades  were  at  a  discount  that  evening ;  and  it  was 


"LEE  HAS  SURRENDERED."  815 

no  wonder  that  the  officers  of  the  112th  failed  to  keep  step  with 
the  music,  and  that  all  the  boys  laughed  heartily  at  their  lu 
dicrous  attempts  to  do  so.  The  music  was  all  wrong— the 
band  was  tipsy. 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  the  advance  of  Sher 
man's  army  moved  out  of  Goldsboro  on  the  Raleigh  road.  It 
encountered  the  Confederate  rearguard,  but  drove  them  easily 
and  rapidly.  The  23d  Corps  moved  at  noon. 

The  Army  of  the  Tennessee — the  15th  and  17th  corps — was 
on  the  right ;  the  Army  of  the  Ohio — the  23d  and  10th  corps 
— in  the  center ;  and  the  Army  of  Georgia — the  14th  and  20th 
corps — on  the  left,  moving  on  parallel  roads.  Kilpatrick's  cav 
alry  corps  moved  on  the  flanks. 

Marched  seven  miles,  and  went  into  camp  for  the  night  at 
nine  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The  roads  were  in  a  bad  condi 
tion,  and  bridges  were  gone  which  had  to  be  rebuilt,  and  the 
command  made  slow  progress.  The  advance  guard  of  the 
corps  captured  about  one  hundred  prisoners  during  the  after 
noon. 

On  the  llth  the  command  marched  about  eleven  miles,  by 
easy  stages,  halting  frequently  to  repair  bridges,  or  for  the  men 
to  rest,  and  camped  near  Sraithfield.  At  8  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  12th  the  column  was  again  in  motion,  but  had 
proceeded  only  a  short  distance  when  a  great  commotion  was 
seen  and  loud  cheering  heard  in  front.  Very  soon  the  cause 
was  learned.  A  staff  officer  was  seen  coming  down  the  road, 
swinging  his  hat,  his  horse  on  a  gallop,  the  men  running  to  the 
right  and  left,  as  he  approached,  to  give  him  the  road,  and 
throwing  their  hats  in  the  air  as  he  swept  along  the  line.  On 
he  came,  nearer  and  nearer,  until  we  could  hear  the  glad  mes 
sage  he  was  bearing ;  «Lee  has  surrendered  !  Lee  has  surren 
dered  !"  he  shouted,  as  he  rushed  on  to  carry  the  good  news  to 
those  in  the  rear. 

The  whole  army  was  electrified.  No  pen  can  describe  the 
scene  that  followed.  The  men  were  wild  with  excitement. 
Cheer  after  cheer  rent  the  air  ;  men  turned  somersaults  like 
glad  school-boys ;  rolled  on  the  ground,  and  cut  innumerable 
strange  antics,  and  yelled  and  shouted  and  cheered  until  they 
were  hoarse. 


316  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

The  8d  Brigade  moved  into  a  field,  near  some  tall  timber, 
and  stacked  arms.  Almost  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  a  tall, 
straight  tree  was  felled  and  trimmed,  and  raised  near  the  road, 
with  the  stars  and  stripes  floating  at  its  head.  The  men  as 
sembled  around  the  flag  and  Gen.  Henderson  was  seized,  and 
carried  on  the  men's  shoulders  and  placed  on  a  horse,  near  the 
"liberty  pole,"  and  he  made  them  a  thrilling,  patriotic  speech, 
from  the  saddle.  The  bands  played  and  the  men  sang,  "The 
Battle  Cry  of  Freedom,"  "Marching  through  Georgia,"  "When 
Johnny  Comes  Marching  Home,"  and  other  "War  Songs," 
and  then  more  than  a  thousand  voices,  accompanied  by  the 
band,  sung  the  Doxology. 

William  1).  McGaffee,  of  Co.  I,  who  was  on  duty  at  regimen 
tal  headquarters,  drew  a  large  cotton  sack  over  a  mule,  com 
pletely  concealing  the  animal  from  view,  and  pinning  a  large 
placard  upon  either  side  of  the  sack,  reading  in  hastily  con 
structed  letters,  "A  Blessing  in  Disguise,"  led  the  mule  along 
the  lines.  This  travesty  upon  the  Southern  manner  of  ex 
plaining  the  many  defeats  of  their  armies  was  greeted  with 
cheers  and  shouts  of  laughter. 

Gen.  Sherman  at  once  gave  orders  to  drop  all  trains  and 
push  forward  as  rapidly  as  possible  to  and  through  Raleigh  in 
pursuit  of  Johnston's  army, — the  only  Confederate  army  of 
any  considerable  strength  remaining  in  the  field.  Johnston 
himself  was  at  Greensboro,  towards  which  point  his  army  was 
retreating. 

Shermanjs  advance  moved  into  Ealeigh  on  the  morning  of 
the  13th  in  the  midst  of  a  pouring  rain  storm.  The  23d  Corps 
.arrived  there  at  noon  on  the  14th.  On  the  15th  Johnston  sent 
in  a  flag  of  truce  and  proposed  to  surrender.  Sherman  offered 
him  the  same  terms  Grant  had  given  Lee ;  but  Johnston  pro 
posed  that  their  agreement  should  include  all  the  Confederate 
armies  in  the  field.  The  negotiations  that  followed  led  to  an 
agreement ;  but  it  was  disapproved  by  the  government  at 
Washington. 

On  the  17th  the  first  news  of  the  assassination  of  President 
Lincoln  wras  received. 

The  army  was  infuriated  at  the  appalling  intelligence,  and 
fears  were  entertained  that  the  men  would  seek  vengeance  up- 


FROM  AN  UNKNOWN  WRITER,  317 

on  the  citizens  and  property  of  Raleigh.  Gen.  Henderson's 
brigade  was  moved  from  the  east  to  the  west  side  of  the  city 
to  protect  the  town  against  the  infuriated  soldiers,  and  no  man 
was  permitted  to  enter  the  city.  These  fears  were,  perhaps, 
groundless-,  but  the  sorrow -which  filled  the  hearts  of  the  men 
was  accompanied  by  a  terrible  determination  to  give  no  quar 
ter  to  the  enemy  when  they  met  him  upon  the  field  of  battle. 
The  horrible  murder  of  the  President  was  intuitively  connect 
ed  with  the  rebellion,  and  the  aiders  and  abettors  of  the  war 
against  the  Union  were  held  responsible  for  the  crime.  Had 
Sherman's  army  encountered  Johnston's  Confederate  army, 
at  that  time,  the  latter  would  have  been  swept  from  the  face 
of  the  earth  like  chaff  before  a  cyclone. 

On  the  morning  of  the  18tli  Gen.  Henderson  found  the  fol 
lowing  note  pinned  to  his  teat : 

"To  COL.  HENDERSON, 

"Dear  Sir: — Most  all  the  brakes  wich 

you  leat  away  from  home,  from  th'eir  family  and  beloved  coun 
try,  acknowledge  Mr.  Linkin,  our  late  President,  as  the  best 
of  the  state  of  Illinois,  but  you  are  next  in  rank.  The  majori- 
tat  of  your  Eegt.  would  sacrih  themselfs  for  you.  I  have  no 
better  way  to  explain  mein  gi-atitute  towards  you. 

"Private  -        -  H,  112th  Eegt." 

The  hand-writing  and  the  punctuation  of  the  note  indicated 
that  it  was  written  by  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  intelli 
gence,  while  the  spelling  shows  that  its  author  was  not  fully 
acquainted  with  our  language.  It  was  probably  written  by 
some  one  of  the  many  brave  and  patriotic  Swedes  in  the  regi 
ment — men  who  had  risked  life  and  limb  upon  many  a  well- 
fought  battle  Held  in  behalf  of  their  adopted  country ;  but,  al 
though  Gen.  Henderson  made  diligent  inquiry,  he  was  unable 
to  ascertain  the  writer,  and  to  this  day  does  not  know  the  name 
of  his  admirer.  It  is  a  well-merited  tribute  of  respect  and  es 
teem,  coming  from  the  ranks,  of  which  the  General  may  well, 
and  does,  feel  justly  proud. 

On  the  18th  negotiations  for  the  surrender  of  Johnston's  ar 
my  were  resumed.  On  the  20th,  21st  and  22nd  Gen.  Sherman  re 
viewed  the  army— the  23d  Corps  marching  in  review  on  the 
21st ;  and  on  the  23d  he  issued  orders  terminating  the  truce  &c 


BIS  HISTORY  or  THE  H2TH  ILLINOIS. 

noon  on  the  26th,  and  for  all  the  troops  to  be  in  readiness  to 
move  at  that  hour. 

On  the  25th  Gen.  Grant  arrived  at  Kaleigh.  On  the  25th 
Johnston  proposed  another  conference  with  a  view  of  surren 
dering  his  army ;  and  on  the  26th  final  terms  of  agreement 
were  concluded  by  Grant  and  Sherman  on  the  Union  side,  and 
Johnston  for  the  collapsed  Confederacy  ;  and  Grant  telegraph 
ed  to  the  National  authorities  at  Washington  that  J  ohnston  had 
surrendered  to  Sherman — another  illustration  of  the  Great 
Commander's  unselfish  generosity. 

The  duty  of  receiving  the  surrender  of  the  Confederate  ar 
my,  taking  charge  of  its  arms,  and  issuing  paroles  to  the  men 
was  committed  to  Gen.  Schofield,  commanding  the  Department 
of  North  Carolina. 

This  was  performed  at  Greensboro,  where  Gen.  Schofield  and 
a  small  detachment  of  the  23d  Corps  went  for  that  purpose. 
Capt.  John  L.  Dow,  of  the  112th  Illinois,  was  appointed  one 
of  the  commissioners  to  carry  out  the  terms  of  the  military 
convention ;  and  on  the  first  day  of  May,  under  the  immedi 
ate  direction  of  Lieut.  Col.  Dow,  Inspector  General  of  the  23d 
Corps,  the  Confederate  army  was  paroled  ;  and  the  last  great 
rebel  army  disbanded.  The  men  were  furnished  with  rations 
and  transportation  by  Gen.  Schofield,  and  returned  to  their 
homes — a  majority  of  them  far  happier  at  the  termination  of 
the  war,  though  their  cause  was  lost,  than  they  would  have 
been  had  it  continued. 

Johnston's  army  numbered,  on  the  19th  of  April,  about  for 
ty-five  thousand  effective  men ;  but  between  that  date  and  the 
24th,  he  states  that  the  apprehension  of  being  made  prisoners 
of  war  caused  about  eight  thousand  deserters,  so  that  only 
about  thirty- seven  thousand  men  and  officers  were  present  to 
be  paroled. 

With  the  exception  of  the  23d  Corps  Sherman's  army  march 
ed  north,  with  flying  colors,  by  the  way  of  Kichmond  to  Wrash- 
ington,  where  they  participated  in  a  grand  review  and  then 
returned  to  their  homes. 

Gen.  Schofield  being  in  command  of  'the  department,  re 
mained  with  his  own  corps,  to  bring  order  out  of  chaos,  and 
protect  the  lives  and  property  of  citizens  until  civil  govern- 


ED1TOBIAL  COMMENT.  319 

ment  could  be  reestablished  and  the  people  prepared  to  take 
care  of  themselves. 

The  following  editorial  from  the  Raleigh  Daily  Progress  of 
April  20,  1865,  fairly  represents  the  feelings  of  the  loyal  pop 
ulation  of  North  Carolina  toward  Jeff  Davis  and  Governor 
Vance,  and  their  former  modes  of  government : 

"We  do  not  desire  to  dictate  to  Gen.  Sherman,  Gen.  Grant 
or  to  the  Government  at  Washington,  but  we  do  most  solemnly 
protest  against  the  State  officers  who  have  tyrannized  over  us 
for  the  past  two  years.  Give  us  military  government  and  pro 
tection  at  the  polls  until  we  can  elect  new  civil  officers,  and 
we  sharll  be  satisfied  ;  but  if  those  who  have  heretofore  enslav 
ed  us  be  allowed  to  remain  over  us,  all  our  devotion  to  a  Con 
stitutional  Union,  and  all  onr  sacrifices  are  in  vain.  Give  us 
entire  freedom,  through  the  constitutional  mode  of  the  ballot 
box,  or  give  us  abject  slavery.  No  more  of  Jeff  Davis,  no  more 
of  Vance. 

"We  speak  not  for  ourself,  but  for  the  people  of  North  Car 
olina  ;  and  we  appeal  to  the  Union  armies  and  the  National 
authorities  to  save  us." 

On  the  4th  of  May  the  3d  Division  of  the  23d  Corps  proceed 
ed  by  rail  to  Greensboro,  arriving  there  on  the  morning  of  the 
5th,  and  went  into  camp  on  the  Madison  road,  about  two  miles 
from  town.  Greensboro  is  the  Guilford  Court  House  of  Revo 
lutionary  times,  and  is  near  the  battle  field  of  that  name, 
where  Gen.  Greene  fought  Lord  Cornwallis,  on  the  15th  of 
March,  1781 ;  and  many  of  the  officers  and  men  of  the  112th 
visited  the  old  battle-ground. 

But  few  changes  occurred  in  the  organization  of  the  regi 
ment  after  its  arrival  in  North  Carolina.  Captain  Gudgel,  of 
Co.  B,  who  was  wounded  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  on  the 
6th  of  August,  -1864,  had  never  returned  to  the  regiment,  and 
on  the  27th  of  March,  1865,  was  honorably  discharged  from 
the  service  by  reason  of  wounds.  Lieut.  B.  F.  Thompson,  Ad 
jutant  of  the  regiment,  wras  promoted  to  Captain  of  the  com 
pany  ;  and  First  Sergt.  Gilbert  E.  Woolsey  of  Co.  D,  then  act 
ing  as  Sergeant  Major,  was  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant  and 
Adjutant — both  to  rank  from  April  25,  1865.  Lieut.  Griffin, 
who  was  captured  at  Knoxville  on  the  I8th  of  November,  1863, 


320  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  Quartermaster  Alden,  who  was  captured  in  Georgia  on 
the  24th  of  May,  1864,  having  visited  their  homes  on  leaves  of 
absence  since  their  exchange,  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Greens 
boro.  S.  M.  Eldridge,  the  regimental  postmaster,  was  detail 
ed  as  brigade  postmaster,  and  William  K.  Porter,  of  Co.  A, 
was  appointed  postmaster  of  the  regiment. 

Since  the  resignation  of  Chaplain  Henderson  the  regiment 
had  been  without  a  chaplain.  Abram  C.  Frick,  a  recruit  of 
Co.  D,  joined  the  regiment  at  Goldsboro,  and  brought  with 
him  a  long  list  of  names  recommending  him  for  chaplain. 
Neither  Gen.  Henderson  nor  Lieut.  Col.  Bond,  commanding 
the  regiment,  would  recommend  him,  but  he  was  permitted  to 
perform  the  duties  of  chaplain,  and  to  be  excused  from  other 
duties  ;  and  he  performed  such  duties  very  acceptably. 

On  the  llth  of  May  Gen.  Carter,  then  commanding  the  di 
vision,  directed  Capt.  McCartney,  with  Co.  G,  and  Lieut. 
Brown,  with  part  of  Co.  E,  to  proceed  to  Sandy  Ridge,  about 
seventy-live  miles  northwest  of  Greensboro,  to  restore  and 
maintain  order  among  the  people  of  Stokes  county.  They 
camped  at  Sandy  Ridge,  and  remained  there  until  the  22nd  of 
May.  Capt.  McCartney  has  furnished  the  author  with  the 
following  account  of  their  operations  : 

"We  selected  some  of  the  best  and  most  conscientious  citi 
zens  of  the  county,  in  different  sections,  and  made  them  jus 
tices  of  the  peace,  and  authorized  them  to  take  jurisdiction  of 
and  punish  crime,  until  the  civil  authorities  were  .fully  estab 
lished.  We  also  organized  a  company  of  county  police,  who 
were  authorized  to  find  and  arrest  all  persons  committing  any 
criminal  offenses,  after  the  date  of  Johnston's  surrender. 
Similar  courts  had  been  organized  in  Virginia  after  Lee's  sur 
render. 

"While  at  Sandy  Ridge  I  went  to  Patrick  Court  House,  the 
county  seat  of  Patrick  county,  Virginia,  and  defended  some 
men  who  were  charged  with  criminal  acts.  Several  of  them 
were  found  guilty,  and  were  punished  by  being  taken  out  and 
whipped  by  the  officers.  There  were  no  jails,  and  no  way  of 
punishing  them  except  in  some  summary  manner.  The  mag 
istrates  finally  settled  upon  whipping,  and  every  man  found 
guilty  was  punished  by  so  many  stripes,  according  to  the  nat- 


EDITOKIAL  COMMENT.  321 

ure  of  his  offense.  They  were  all  white  men  who  were  tried  at 
this  court,  and  in  most  cases  very  bad  men  ;  and  the  punish 
ment  inflicted  upon  them  was  very  light,  considering  the  of 
fenses  of  which  they  were  convicted,  which  were  of  great  vio 
lence  and  cruelty 

"I  found  all  the  people  of  both  Stokes  and  Patrick  counties 
very  glad  the  war  was  over,  and  every  one  with  whom  I  talked 
agreed  that  the  result  settled  forever  the  question  of  States 
Eights.  Most  of  them  were  glad  that  slavery  was  abolished, 
and  hoped  only  to  be  permitted  thereafter  to  live  quietly  and 
in  peace.  I  found  all  whom  I  met  as  pleasant  and  hospitable 
as  any  people  I  have  ever  seen  anywhere,  and  generally  very 
intelligent.  A  majority  of  them  had  been  discharged  from  the 
Confederate  army  only  a  few  days,  but  I  went  everywhere 
without  arms,  in  perfect  safety.  All  their  passions  seemed  to 
have  cooled  down,  and  we  discussed  the  issues  of  the  war  and 
politics  as  calmly  as  if  we  had  all  lived  in  the  North  and  were 
all  of  the  same  political  faith. 

"There  was  a  certain  class  of  people  living  in  this  portion  of 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  however,  who  were  very  ignorant 
and  depraved.  They  had  lived  mostly  in  the  swamps  and  in 
accessible  places,  so  they  should  not  be  drafted  into  the  rebel 
army,  and  during  the  whole  war  had  lived  by  pillage  and  rob 
bery.  When  the  war  ended  they  claimed  to  have  been  Union 
men  and  to  have  been  persecuted  by  the  enemy.  These  were 
dangerous  men,  against  whom  the  people  had  to  be  guarded, 
after  the  close  of  the  war,  and  were  much  more  to  be  feared 
than  the  recently  freed  negro.  We  found  all  the  colored  peo 
ple  very  happy,  but  willing  and  anxious  to  remain  with  their 
old  masters  until  they  could  provide  homes  for  themselves ; 
and  there  was  a  very  strong  attachment  between  the  former 
slaves  and  their  masters." 

Capt.  Sroufe  with  his  company  (H.)  and  Capt,  Dunn  with 
his  company  (D,)  were  also  sent  into  the  country  on  similar 
errands,  and  were  absent  several  weeks. 

On  the  18th  of  May,  a  Union  meeting  was  held  at  Greens 
boro,  to  which  all  the  people  were  invited,  which  was  address 
ed  by  Gen.  Cox,  Gen.  Carter  and  Gen.  Henderson.  The  rneet- 
—21 


HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

ing  was  well  attended,  and  the  people  seemed  at  the  time  to 
be  well  satisfied  with  the  progress  of  events. 

Many  of  the  men  had  been  stricken  with  malarial  fever  en 
gendered  by  the  swamps  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  and 
they  had  been  left  in  hospitals  along  the  line  of  march  from 
Wilmington  to  Raleigh.  Some  were  sent  to  Northern  hospit 
als,  several  were  discharged  and  a  few  died,  but  the  most  of 
them  recovered  and  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Greensboro. 

Nothing  more  of  special  interest  occurred  while  the  division 
was  at  Greensboro.  ;  A- court  martial  was  convened  in  town, 
upon  which  some  of  the  officers  of  the  112th  Illinois  were  de 
tailed,  for  the  trial  of  military  offenses,  but  this  was  of  short 
duration.  The  officers  worked  hard  every  day  in  making  out 
final  reports  and  settling  with  the  government,  preparatory  to 
muster  out,  and  the  most  of  them,  if  not  all,  succeeded  in 
squaring  their  accounts. 


CHAPTEE  XXVII. 

MUSTERED  OUT — GEN.  HENDERSON'S 

FAREWELL  ORDER — GEN.  CARTER'S    LETTER. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  GEN.  COx's  LETTER— HOMEWARD  BOUND. 

RECEPTION  AT  PITTSBURG — ARRIVAL  AT  CHICAGO. 

FINAL  DISCHARGE — RETURN  HOME. 

BANQUET  AT  GENESEO. 

On  the  2nd  day  of  June,  1865,  General  Order  No.  73  was 
promulgated  from  Department  Headquarters  directing  the  dis 
charge  of  all  the  troops  whose  terms  of  service  expired  on  or 
before  the  30th  of  September,  which  was  as  follows  : 

"H'D-QR'S  DEPARTMENT  OF  X.  C.,  ARMY  OF  THE  OHIO, 

RALEIGH,  NORTH  CAROLINA,  JUNE  2,  1865. 
:  GENERAL  ORDERS,  No.  73. 

"I.  In  compliance  with  telegraphic  orders  from  the  War 
Department,  all  volunteer  organizations  of  white  soldiers 
whose  terms  of  service  expire  on  or  before  September  30th 
next,  will  be  immediately  mustered  out  of  service.  The  mus 
ter-out  will  be  made  with  existing  regimental  and  company  or 
ganizations,  and  under  the  regulations  promulgated  in  Gen- 
.eral  Orders,  No.  94,  of  May  15,  from  the  War  Department, 
published  in  General  Orders,  No.  62,  of  May  25,  from  these 
Headquarters. 

"All  men  in  the  aforesaid  organizations  whose  terms  of  ser 
vice  expire  subsequently  to  September  30,  1865,  will  be  trans 
ferred  to  other  organizations  from  the  same  State ;  when 
practicable  such  men  Avill  be  transferred  to  veteran  regiments  ; 


324  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

where  this  is  not  practicable,  they  will  be  transferred  to  regi 
ments  having  the  longest  time  to  serve. 

"All  men  whose  terms  of  service  expire  prior  to  October  1st* 
1865,  but  whose  regiments  or  companies  are  to  remain  in  ser 
vice  after  that  date,  will  be  mustered  out  of  service  at  once. 
This  order  will  be  executed  as  follows  : 

"1st.  The  three  years  regiments  that  were  mustered  into 
service  under  the  call  of  July  2nd,  1862,  and  prior  to  October 
1st  of  that  year. 

"2nd.  The  three  year  recruits  who  were  mustered  into  ser 
vice  for  the  old  regiments,  prior  to  October  1st,  1862. 

"3d.  One  year  men  for  new  or  old  organizations  who  enter 
ed  the  service  prior  to  Oct.  1st,  1864. 

"In  addition  to  the  places  of  rendezvous  for  the  troops  to  be 
mustered  out  designated  in  General  Orders  No.  94,  current 
series,  War  Department,  Adjutant  General's  office,  Greens 
boro  is  designated  as  the  place  of  rendezvous  for  the  troops 
of  the  23d  Army  Corps,  and  Ealeigh  for  those  of  the  10th  Ar 
my  Corps. 

"By  command  of  MAJOR  GENERAL  SCHOFIELD. 

"J.  A.  CAMPBELL,  Assistant  Adjutant  General." 

There  was  considerable  delay  in  obtaining  muster-out  rolls, 
which  were  required  to  be  made  in  quadruplicate,  but  on  the 
15th  a  sufficient  supply  was  received,  and  the  work  of  prepar 
ing  them  commenced. 

Upon  the  muster-out  of  the  regiment  the  recruits  of  the 
112th  Illinois,  whose  terms  of  service  did  not  expire  until  af 
ter  the  first  of  October,  were  transferred  to  the  65th  Regiment 
Illinois  Veteran  Volunteers  (consolidated).  One  wiiole  com 
pany  was  organized— Co.  F  of  the  65th — and  Lieut.  T.  E.  Mil- 
christ  of  the  112th  Illinois,  was  transferred  and  promoted  to 
captain,  and  remained  in  command  of  the  company.  Lieut. 
Elmer  E.  Sage  of  Co.  E,  was  also  transferred  to  the  same 
company.  The  65th  regiment  was  mustered  out  of  the  ser 
vice  at  Greensboro,  on  the  13th  of  July,  1865. 

Capt.  Dunn  was  the  senior  captain  of  the  regiment ;  and  on 
the  14th  of  June  Gen.  Henderson  addressed  the  following 
communication  to  Gen.  Schoneld,  commanding  the  depart 
ment,  recommending  the  captain  for  promotion,  by  brevet : 


MUSTEKED  OUT.  325 

"H'i>  QR'S  BD  BRIG.,  3i>  Div.,  28i>  A.  C., 

"GREENSBORO,  N.  C.,  JUNE  14,  1865. 

"  LIEUT.  COL  : 

"I  have  the  honor  very  respectfully  to  recommend  for  pro 
motion  by  brevet,  Capt.  Augustus  A.  Dunn,  of  Co.  D,  112th 
Regiment  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 

"Before  coming  into  the  army  Capt.  Dunn  was  a  very  intel 
ligent  and  popular  physician,  enjoying  a  lucrative  practice; 
but,  inspired  purely  by  patriotic  motives,  he  was  one  of  the 
tirst  officers  of  our  regiment  to  commence  raising  a  company, 
and,  in  fact,  the  first  who  organized  his  company,  aud  he  has 
been  in  the  field  ever  since.  He  has  shown  himself  to  be  an 
able,  energetic,  brave  and  skillful  officer.  He  has  been  four 
times  wounded  in  battle  ;  lost  two  fingers  of  his  left  hand  in 
an  engagement  near  Kelly's  Ford,  in  East  Tennessee,  was 
slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville  and  again  at  Eesaca ; 
and  was  seriously  wounded  in  the  forehead  by  a  shell  at  Frank 
lin,  Tenn.,  from  which  he  has  not  yet  recovered,  although  he 
has  been  on  duty  with  his  regiment  for  two  months  or  more. 

"For  fidelity  to  duty,  for  bravery  and  resolute  determina 
tion,  for  lofty  and  earnest  patriotism,  I  know  no  officer  more 
meritorious :  while  his  intelligence,  his  ability,  his  soldierly 
bearing  qualify  him  for  a  much  higher  rank  in  the  volunteer 
service  than  he  has  filled. 

"I  would  make  this  communication  to  the  War  Department, 
but  am  led  to  believe  that  if  the  object  which  I  most  earnestly 
desire  can  be  accomplished,  it  will  be  more  readily  done  through 
the  Major  General  commanding  the  Department  of  North 
Carolina ;  and  besides,  my  regiment  is  about  to  be  mustered 
out  of  the  service,  and  if  the  captain  should  be  brevetted,  I 
suppose  it  ought  to  be  done  before  he  is  mustered  out,  and 
there  seems  to  be  but  little  time  for  a  communication  to  go  up 
through  the  proper  channels  to  Washington.  There  has  been 
no  opportunity  for  promotion  in  the  regiment,  or  he  would 
have  been  promoted  long  ago. 

"While  he  has  intimated  to  me -no  desire  to  receive  such 
promotion,  if  he  could  be  brevetted  Major  or  Lieut.  Colonel  it 
would  be  no  more  than  a  suitable  acknowledgement  for  gal 
lantry  at  Knoxville,  at  Eesaca,  and  many  other  battles  in 


326  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

which  he  has  been  engaged,  including,  of  course,  those  in 
which  he  was  wounded,  and  a  just  tribute  paid  to  superior 
merit. 

"I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient 
servant, 

" THOMAS  J.  HENDERSON, 

"(W.  llXth  ///*.,  and  Brr'tBiif/.  Gen.,  Comd\j  3d  Bri<f.  3d  Dir. 

"To  Col.  J.  A.  Campbell,  A.  A.  G.,  Dept.  of  North  Carolina." 

Capt.  Dunn  deserved  promotion  ;  but  the  recommendation 
came  too  late  to  secure  it  before  muster-out,  and  lie  was  dis 
charged  a  captain.  He  was  a  brave,  generous,  honorable  man 
and  officer,  and  served  his  country  faithfully  and  well  until 
the  last  rebel  had  surrendered,  and  his  services  were  no  longer 
needed. 

In  several  companies  of  the  regiment  the  office  of  Second 
Lieutenant  was  vacant.  No  promotions  had  been  made  for 
the  reason  that  tiie  companies  had  been  reduced  below  the  re 
quired  minimum  number.  On  the  15th  of  June  the  following 
named  sergeants  were  commissioned  Second  Lieutenants';  but 
none  were  mustered  as  such,  but  were  discharged  as  of  their 
former  rank :  First  Serg.  Jesse  Goble,  of  Co:  A ;  First  Serg. 
Henry  B.  Perry,  of  Co.  F  ;  Serg.  William  J.  Gillispie,  of  Co.  C  ; 
First  Serg.  Henry  Graves,  of  Co.  E  ;  First  Serg.  Eli  :K.  Mauck, 
of  Co.  G,  and  First  Serg.  Charles  B.  Foster,  of  Co.  B. 

On  the  19th  of  June  Gen.  Henderson  was  relieved  from  the 
command  of  the  3d  Brigade,  in  accordance  with  the  following 
order  from  division  headquarters,  and  on  the  21st  he  resumed 
command  of  the  regiment : 

"HEAD  QUARTERS  THIRD  DIVISION,  TWENTY-THIRD  ARMY  CORPS, 
"GREENSBORO,  N.  C.,  JUNE  19TH,  1865. 

"SPECIAL  ORDERS,  No.  101. 

"14 — Brevet  Brig.  Gen'l  Thomas  J.  Henderson  (Col.  112th 
111.  Inft'y)  is  hereby  relieved  from  the  command  of  the  3d 
Brigade,  3d  Division,  23d  Army  Corps,  and  ordered  to  take 
charge  of  his  own  regiment  to  conduct  it  home,  on  being  mus 
tered  out  of  the  service. 

"By  command  of  BRIG.  GEN'L  CARTER. 

"GEO.  H.  BELL,  A.  A.  A.GcnL'^- 

"Brevet  Brig.  Gen'l  Thomas  J.  Henderson." 


GEN.  HENDERSON'S  FAREWELL   ORDER.  327 

On  the  same  day  Gen.  Henderson  issued  the  following  fare 
well  order  to  his  brigade  :_ 

"HEAD  QUARTERS  SD  BRIO.  3D  Drv.  23o  A.  C., 

"GREENSBORO,  N.  C.,  JUNE  19TH.  1865. 
"GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  12. 

"Having  been  relieved  from  the  command  of  the  3d  Brigade, 
I  'desire,  before  taking  leave  of  those  so  long  associated 
with  me  in  arms,  to  express  my  sincere  congratulations  that 
many  of  you,  after  passing  safely  through  so  many  trials  and 
dangers,  are  about  to  return  to  your  homes,  your  families  and 
friends,  while  those  who  remain  behind  have  only  the  more 
peaceful  duties  of  the  soldier  to  perform,  and  the  pleasing 
prospects  that  they,  too,  will  soon  follow. 

"While  rejoicing  with  you  that  victory  has  crowned  our  arms 
with  glorious  success,  that  peace  has  again  been  established  in 
the  land,  and  that  our  country  now  stands  so  proudly  before  the 
world ;  while  sharing  with  you  the  happiness  we  so  naturally 
feel  in  the  promise  of  a  speedy  and  blessed  reunion  with 
friends  from  whom  we  have  so  long  and  painfully  been  separ 
ated,  yet  it  is  with  sadness.  I  know,  that  associations  of  such 
long  standing  are  now  to  be  broken  up,  and  ties  which  have 
so  long  bound  us  together  are  to  be  severed. 

"It  must  ever  be  your  pride  and  your  glory  that,  in  a  time 
of  great  National  peril,  you  contributed  by  your  courage  and 
your  patriotism  to  the  preservation  of  the  Government  of  your 
country.  The  weary  marches  you  have  made,  the  deadly  con 
flicts  in  which  you  have  been  engaged,  the  trials  and  expos 
ures  you  have  suffered,  with "  so  much  patience  and  courage, 
can  never  be  forgotten  by  a  grateful  people  ;  while  the  mem 
ory  of  them  and  of  your  brave  comrades  who  have  fallen  in 
battle  must  ever  stimulate  you  to  the  faithful  performance  of 
the  duties  which,  as  good  citizens,  you  owe  to  your  country. 

"Sincerely  trusting  that  you  may,  each  and  all,  long  live 
to  enjoy  that  National  peace,  prosperity  and  happiness  which 
your  courage  and  patriotism  have  contributed  so  much  to  win, 
I  bid  you  an  affectionate  arid  cordial  farewell. 

"THOMAS  J.  HENDERSON, 
''Brevet  Brig.  Geril,  Commanding." 


328  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

On  the  20th  day  of  June  the  regiment  was  mustered  out  of 
the  service  and  every  officer  and  enlisted  man  furnished  with 
a  duly  certified  discharge.  On  the  same  day  the  following  or 
der  was  issued,  which  explains  itself : 

"HEADQUARTERS  23D  ARMY  CORPS, 

"GREENSBORO,  N.  C.,  JUNE  20,  1805. 
"SPECIAL  ORDERS,  No.  60. 

"I.  The  muster  out  of  the  112th  Regiment  Illinois  Infantry 
having  been  completed  in  accordance  with  General  Orders  No. 
73,  C.  S..  Department  of  North  Carolina,  so  much  of  the  regi 
ment  as  are  entitled  to  discharge  will  proceed  without  delay 
to  Chicago,  111.,  and  there  report  to  the  Chief  Mustering  Offi 
cer  of  the  State  for  final  discharge. 

"The  Quartermaster's  Department   will  furnish  transporta 
tion  for  thirty-two  commissioned   officers,   four  hundred  and 
six  enlisted  men,  six  servants  and  six  horses. 
"By  command  of 

"BREVET  MAJOR  GENERAL  RUGER. 

"HENRY  A.  HALE,  Capt.,  and  A.  A.  (jr. 

"To  Lieut.  Col.  E.  S.  Bond.  Commanding  Regiment.'" 

Gen.  Henderson,  Major  Dow,  Capt.  Dow,  Dr.  L.  S.  Milliken, 
Brigade  Surgeon,  Capt.  Otman,  and  other  officers  on  detached 
service,  returned  to  the  regiment,  and  all  commenced  active 
preparations  for  the  journey  homeward.  All,  except  Dr.  Mil- 
liken  ;  he  remained  in  North  Carolina,  where  he  married  the 
widow  of  a  Confederate  officer,  and  has  since  lived  happily 
and  pleasantly.  The  lady's  son  also  married  the  doctor's 
daughter,  and  thus  the  blue  and  the  gray  are  doubly  linked 
together  with  a  golden  chain  of  love,  and  all  are  blessed  with 
peace  and  happiness. 

No  regiment  in  the  service  was  more  fortunate  than  the 
112th  Illinois  in  the  selection  of  its  surgeons.  Dr.  Spaulding 
was  an  old,  experienced  physician.  He  was  succeeded  by  Dr. 
Milliken,  equally  competent,  and,  with  less  years,  more  active 
and  energetic  ;  and  he  was  ably  assisted  by  Dr.  Jones  and  Dr. 
Phillips,  the  Assistant  Surgeons— all  excellent  physicians, 
and  careful  and  attentive  in  the  performance  of  their  duties. 


QUARTERMASTER'S  DEPARTMENT.  329 

The  Burgeons  received  valuable  aid  in  caring  for  the  sick 
and  wounded  from  Hospital  Steward  Joseph  C.  Johnson,  and 
that  prince  of  good  nurses,  "Parson"  William  Bo  wen.  Dr. 
Jones  and  Johnson  are  dead.  Dr.  Phillips  is  still  engaged  in 
the  practice  of  medicine,  in  White  county,  Illinois,  where  he  is 
pleasantly  situated,  and  the  head  of  a  happy  family ;  and 
"Parson"  Bowen  is  farming  and  dispensing  justice  upon  the 
fertile  plains  of  Nebraska. 

The  112th  was  also  fortunate  in  the  selection  of  a  quartermas 
ter — the  most  difficult  and  least  desirable  position  in  the  regi 
ment.  In  most  regiments  the  quartermaster  is  the  scape-goat 
for  all  the  commissioned  officers,  and  is  expected  to  take  all 
the  "cussings"  for  short  rations,  insufficient  clothing,  and  oth 
er  deficiencies  for  which  the  officers  are  themselves  responsi 
ble.  But  this  was  not  the  case  in  the  112th.  Lieut.  Alden 
was  a  faithful,  energetic  and  honest  quartermaster.  He  perform 
ed  his  duties  with  such  great  care  and  energy  that  no  cause  of 
complaint  could  lie  against  him.  With  Commissary  Sergeant 
R.  F.  Steele  at  the  head  of  the  commissary  department ;  and 
ably  assisted  by  Quartermaster  Sergeant  George  Bernard,  and 
after  his  death  by  Quartermaster  Sergeant  Albert  Walton  ;  and 
with  Serg.  George  W.  Bu#k  as  Wagon  Master,  and  command- 
er-in-chief  of  the  "mule  train,"  the  quartermaster's  depart 
ment  of  the  112th  was  managed  in  an  efficient  and  vigorous 
manner,  that  gave  general  satisfaction  to  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  regiment.  And  there  were  none  more  industrious,  more 
trust-worthy,  more  willing  to  perform  faithfully  and  well  every 
duty  than  the  members  of  "Co.  Q,"  from  Lieut.  Alden  himself 
down  to  the  humblest  "mule-whacker." 

Gen.  S.  P.  Carter,  now  commanding  the  3d  Division,  had 
been  acquainted  with  the  I12th  Illinois  ever  since  the  spring 
of  1863.  The  regiment  had  been  under  his  immediate  com 
mand  in  Kentucky,  and  both  had  served  in  the  same  corps  all 
the  time  since  March,  1863.  On  the  20th  of  June  he  address 
ed  to  Gen.  Henderson  the  following  communication,  which  ex 
presses  in  no  uncertain  terms  his  estimate  of  the  services  of 
the  112th,  and  for  the  publication  of  which  the  author  offers 
no  apology : 


330  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

"HEADQUARTERS  3D  DIVISION,  23D  A.  C.,  ) 

GREENSBORO,  N.  C.,  June  20th,  1865.     f 

"BREVET  BRIG.  GEN'L  HENDERSON, 
(CoL.  112TH  REGT.  ILLS.  VOL.,!N.FTY.) 

"A///  Dear  (jencml: — While  I  most  heartily  congratulate  the 
officers  and  men  of  your  regiment  on  a  speedy  return  to  their 
homes,  I  cannot  see  the  pleasant  relations  which  have,  with 
intervals,  existed  between  us  since  March,  1808,  now  severed, 
without  a  feeling  of  sadness  nearly  akin  to  regret. 

"There  are  few  regiments  in  the  service  which  have  a  more 
creditable  record,  or  one  of  which  they  and  their  children  may 
be  more  justly  proud,  than  that  of  the  112th  Illinois.  The  in 
scriptions  on  your  Regimental  Colors  tell  the  story  of  some  of 
the  battle  fields  on  which  the  regiment  has  won  its  fame,  and 
added  new  glory  to  the  "starry  banner"  under  which  it  march 
ed  and  fought,  and  aided  in  wrenching  from  the  bold  and 
courageous  enemies  of  the  Republic  victories  which  have* led 
to  the  peace  and  quiet  which  now  prevail  from  Maine  to  the 
Rio  Grande. 

"But  your  regiment  gained  its  laurels  not  on  the  battle  field 
alone.  It  has  won  a  reputation  for  order,  discipline  and  strict 
regard  for  law  and  the  rights  of  non-combatants,  which  gives 
it  an  enviable  reputation  among  the  volunteer  soldiers  of  the 
Union.  Kentuckians,  East  Tennesseans,  and  even  North  Car 
olinians  have  just  cause  for  remembering  the  112th  Illinois 
with  gratitude,  and  as  presenting  a  striking  contrast  to  the 
conduct  of  the  troops  where  trie  morale  was  lower  and  soldierly 
pride  less  plainly  exhibited.  Knoxville,  where  sleep  so  many 
noble  heroes  who  gave  their  lives  for  its  protection,  cannot  but 
give  to  the  112th  a  special  place  among  its  honored  defenders. 

"While  rejoicing,  my  dear  General,  at  the  successful  termi 
nation  of  the  war  and  the  restoration  of  peace,  and  that  you 
and  your  gallant  officers  and  men  are  soon  to  return  to  waiting 
friends  and  homes,  I  part  with  you  with  regret.  Be  assured 
that  I  shall  ever  think  of  you  with  pride  of  my  having  had  the 
honor  to  command  such  soldiers. 

"Wishing  you  a  "God-speed"  on  your  homeward  journey, 
and  that  you  may  long  live  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  peace  which 
you  and  yours  have  so  nobly  helped  to  restore,  I  am,  my  dear 


HOMEWARD  BOUND.  331 

General,  with  high  considerations  of  personal  esteem  and  re 
spect,  very  truly,  your  friend, 

"S.P.  CAKTKH,  . 
/>/•///.  (rcn'l  ( V>w.'/j/." 

The  following  extracts  from  a  letter  written  by  Gen.  Cox,  in 
November,  1867,  to  Gen.  Henderson,  in  response  to  an  invita 
tion  to  attend  the  reunion  of  the  112th,  although  written  after 
the  close  .of  the  war,  while  General  Cox  was  Governor  of  the 
State  of  Ohio,  may  not  be  out  of  place  in  this  connection  ;  and 
the  author  feels  sure  that  every  member  of  the  ll'2th  recipro 
cates  the  feelings  of  the  General  towards  our  regiment : 

"STATE  OF  OHIO,  EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 
COLUMBUS,  5  November,  1867. 

"My  Dear  General: — I  wish  with  all  my  heart  it  were  pos 
sible  for  me  to  be  at  the  reunion  of  the  ir2tli,  to  which  you  so 
kindly  invite  me,  but  my  duties  here  will  forbid. 

Give  my  most  cordial  good  wishes  and  kindest 
remembrances  to  the  officers  and  men  of  that  gallant  regiment. 
All  of  them,  from  their  gallant  Colonel  down  to  the  humblest 
private,  are  very  dear  to  me,  for  our  comradeship  was  of  a  kind 
not  likely  to  grow  dull  in  its  influence  upon  us. 

Give  my   special  regards   to   Col.  Dow, 
when  you  meet  him,  and  to  Major  Wells. 

Let  me  hear  from  you,  and  believe  me  always  sincere 
ly,  your  friend,  .  J.  D.  Cox. 

To  GENERAL  THOMAS  J.  HENDERSON." 

On  the  21st  day  of  June  the  regiment  embarked  on  the  cars 
at  Greensboro  for  Chicago.  On  the  8th  of  October,  1862,  the 
regiment  had  embarked  on  the  cars  at  Peoria  for  the  field, 
nine  hundred  and  forty  strong.  It  now  numbered  four  hun 
dred  and  thirty-eight  officers  and  enlisted  men,  and  some  of 
these  were  recruits  whose  terms  of  enlistment  expired  with  the 
regiment.  Five  hundred  men  who  went  out  with  the  regiment 
did  not  return  with  it.  Some  had  been  discharged,  others 
transferred,  and  some  were  absent,  sick  or  wounded;  but 
many  of  them  slept  their  last  sleep  on  the  hill-sides  and  in  the 
valleys,  in  the  forests  and  upon  the  plains  of  the  South,  where 
they  had  fallen  fighting  the  battles  of  their  country.  Upon 


332  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

the  National  Flag  and  Colors  of  the  regiment  were  inscribed  : 
"Kentucky,"  "Monticellfy,"  '"East  Ten-newee,"  "Campbett's  Sta 
tion,"  "Kno&viUe,"  "Bean's  Station,"  "Dandridge,"  "Atlanta" 
"Resaca, "  "Kenesaw, "  "  Utoy  Creek, "  "yanhville, "  " Columbia, " 
"Franklin,"  "Wilmington," "Fort  Anderson,-"  and  these  inscrip 
tions  marked  the  places  of  their  fall. 

Many  had  died  of  wounds  in  Field  or  General  Hospitals, 
and  others  of  disease  ;  while  many  others  had  died  of  disease 
and  starvation,  of  neglect  and  cruelty  in  Southern  prison  pens. 
The  dead  of  the  regiment  lie  buried  in  Kentucky,  Tennessee, 
Georgia,  North  and  South  Carolina  and  Virginia — and  in  many 
Northern  cemeteries  where  they  had  died  at  hospitals.  Peace 
be  to  their  ashes  !  We  shall  never  see  them  more,  until  we 
meet  them  in  that  unknown,  undiscovered  country,  that  bourne 
whence  no  traveler  returns,  where  we  shall  greet  them  as  long 
absent  friends,  and  recognize  them  as  comrades  of  yore. 

The  regiment  proceeded  by  rail,  by  way  of  Danville  and  Pe 
tersburg,  to  City  Point,  on  the  James  River,  and  embarked 
there  on  the  23d,  on  the  steamer  "General  Thomas,"  and  sail 
ed  down  the  James  River  and  up  Chesapeake  Bay  to  Balti 
more,  Md.  Here  the  regiment  again  took  cars  and  continued 
the  journey  homeward  by  the  Pensylvania  Central  railroad. 

Near  York,  Pa.,  as  Serg.  William  P.  Ballentine,  of  Co.  F, 
was  standing  on  a  car,  while  the  train  was  passing  under  a 
low  bridge,  his  head  struck  the  bridge  and  he  was  severely  in 
jured — the  only  accident  that  occurred  on  the  journey  home. 
Serg.  Ballentine  was  left  in  hospital  at  Harrisburg,  but  subse 
quently  recovered  and  returned  home. 

The  regiment  reached  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  at  6  o'clock  in  the  af 
ternoon,  on  Sunday  the  25th.  A  bountiful  supper  had  been 
prepared,  and  the  regiment  was  invited  to  march  to  a  large  hall 
and  partake  of  the  city's  hospitality.  Speeches  of  welcome, 
and  congratulation  upon  the  close  of  the  war  and  triumph  of 
the  Union  cause  were  made,  which  were  responded  to  by  Gen. 
Henderson  and  others  of  the  regiment.  The  galleries  were 
crowded  with  ladies  and  gentlemen  who  welcomed  the  boys  in 
blue  with  smiles  and  cheers,  and  showered  upon  them  beauti 
ful  bouquets ;  and  handsome  ladies  waited  upon  the  tables. 
It  was  a  hearty  welcome  to  "God's  Country,"  by  God's  people. 


ARRIVAL  IN  CHICAGO.  333 

The  112th  Illinois  was  not  an  exception ;  but  every  regiment 
which  passed  through  Pittsburg  was  given  the  same  hearty  re 
ception. 

All  along  the  line  of  travel,  in  Pennsylvania,  Ohio  and  Indi 
ana,  the  people  flocked  to  the  stations  and  along  the  line  of 
road  and  welcomed  the  returning  soldiers  with  cheers  and  wav 
ing  handkerchiefs  and  bouquets  of  flowers  ;  and  wherever  the 
train  stopped- they  crowded  upon  the  platform  to  shake  hands 
with  the  boys  who  had  fought  their  battles  and  assisted  in  con 
quering  an  everlasting  peace. 

The  regiment  arrived  in  Chicago  at  one  o'clock  in  the  morn 
ing  of  the  27th  of  June ;  landed  near  Camp  Douglas,  and 
marched  through  the  darkness  to  the  barracks.  Not  a  man 
there  to  show  the  way ;  not  a  man  to  bid  them  welcome.  All 
was  dark,  silent  and  indifferent.  Many  of  the  officers  and 
men  went  home  the  same  day,  and  returned  before  the  time  of 
final  discharge. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  1865,  the  regiment  was  paid  and  finally  dis 
charged  from  the  service,  and  that  evening  the  men — no  longer 
soldiers — embarked  on  the  cars  and  returned  to  their  homes. 

At  Geneseo  those  who  returned  by  that  route  were  met  by 
the  citizens  and  cordially  welcomed  ;  and  a  banquet,  such  as 
only  the  generous,  loyal,  patriotic  people  of  Geneseo  can  pro 
vide,  was  given  to  the  returned  soldiers ;  and  in  every  town 
and  neighborhood  the  boys  were  received  with  open  arms  and 
joyful  hearts.  The  war  was  over.  The  enemies  of  the  country 
had  been  subdued,  and  peace  restored  to  the  Nation.  All  ov 
er  the  North  there  was  joy  and  happiness  and  thanksgiving. 

A  million  Union  soldiers  doffed  their  blue  uniforms,  donned 
citizens'  clothing,  and  were  soon  lost  to  view  in  the  busy  work 
shops,  upon  the  farms,  and  in  the  various  vocations  of  life. 

The  great  Union  armies  disappeared  as  suddenly  as  they 
had  sprung  into  existence.  Again  the  world  witnessed  anoth 
er  scene  it  had  never  looked  upon  before.  The  Grand  Army 
of  the  Republic  rapidly  dissolved ;  its  veteran  soldiers  laid 
aside  the  arms  and  accoutrements  of  war,  returned  to  the 
peaceful  pursuits  of  civil  life,  and  resumed  their  former  places 
in  the  communities  where  they  resided  aa  quietly  and  uncon 
cernedly  as  if  nothing  unusual  had  occurred. 


REGIMENTAL  EOSTEE. 


Organized  at  Galva,  Henry  County,  111.,  August  18,  1862. 
Mustered  into  the  United  States  service  at  Peoria,  111.,  Sept. 
20,  1862. 

Mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  June  20,  1865. 

Final  Discharge  and  Payment  at  Chicago,  111.,  July  6,  1865. 

FIELD  AND    STAFF. 

Present  and  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment,  June  20,  1865. 

Colonel  and  Brevet  Brigadier  General,  Thomas  J.  Henderson. 
Enrolled  Aug.  11,  1862,  and  elected  Captain  of  Co.  F.— 
Upon  organization  of  the  regiment  unanimously  elected 
'  Colonel. by  vote  of  the  commissioned  officers  and  of  the 
enlisted  men.  Mustered  in  as  Colonel  of  the  regiment 
Sept.  22,  1862.— Severely  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Re- 
saca,  Ga.,  May  14, 1864,  and  absent  by  reason  of  wounds 
until  July  28,  1864.— Commanded  2nd  Brigade,  2nd  Di 
vision,  Cavalry  Corps,  Army  of  the  Ohio,  from  Jan 'y 
15,  to  April  8,  1864.  Commanded  3d  Brigade,  3d  Divis 
ion,  23d  Corps,  Army  of  the  Ohio,  from  Aug.  12,  1864, 
until  mustered  out.  Recommended  for  promotion  to 
Brigadier  General  by  Major  General  Schoneld,  com 
manding  the  Army. of  the  Ohio,  and  by  Major  General 
Cox,  commanding  the  23d  Army  Corps,  for  gallant 
and  meritorious  service  in  the  Georgia  and  Tennessee 
campaigns,  and  especially  at  the  battle  of  Franklin, 
Teiin.,  Nov.  30,  1864.  Appointed  Brigadier  General, 
by  Brevet,  by  President  Lincoln,  Jan'y  6,  1865,  to  rank 
from  Nov.  30,  1864.  Residence — Princeton,  Bureau  Co., 
Illinois. 

Lieut.  Colonel  Emery  S.  Bond.  Enrolled  Aug.  5,  1862,  and 
elect  ed  Captain  of  Co.  C.  Upon  organization  of  the  reg 
imen  t  unanimously  elected  Lieutenant  Colonel  by  a 


BOSTER  OF  FIELD  AND  STAFF.  335 

vote  of  the  commissioned  officers  and  of  the  enlisted 
men. — Mustered  in  Sept.  22,  1862. — Commanded  2nd 
Brig.  1st  Div.  Cavalry  Corps,  Army  of  the  Ohio,  from 
Oct.  12, 1863,  to  Jan'y  15,  1864,  and  other  times  tempor 
arily.  Wounded  in  action  at  U toy  Creek,  near  Atlanta-, 
Ga.,  Aug.  6,  1864,  and  absent,  by  reason  of  wounds,  un 
til  Oct.  30,  1864.  Again  wounded  in  the  Battle  of 
Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  39,  1864,  and  absent,  by  reason 
of  wounds,  until  Jan'y  14,  1865.  Commanded  the  reg 
iment  from  latter  date  until  mustered  out.  Residence 
— -No.  40  Carpenter  St.,  Chicago,  111.  Business  address 
-No.  245  S.  Water  St. 

Major  Tristram  T.  Dow.  Enrolled  Aug.  12,  and  mustered  in  as 
-Captain  of  Co.  A,  Sept.  20,  1862.  Promoted  to  Major 
March  22,  to  rank  from  Feb'y  1,  1863.  Captured  near 
Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb'y  23,  1863,  and  paroled  next  day. 
Exchanged  and  rejoined  regiment  April  13.  1863. 
Commanded  the  regiment  in  the  East  Tennessee  cam 
paign  from  Oct.  12,  1863,  to  Jan'y  15,  1864,  and  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  from  Aug.  6,  1864,  to  October 
30, .  1864.  Acting  Ass't  Inspector  General  of  3d 
Div.  23d  Corps,  Army  of  the  Ohio,  from  Nov.  1,  1864, 
until  April  22,  1865,  when  he  was  appointed  by  the 
President  Ass't  Inspector  General  of  the  23d  Army 
Corps,  with  rank,  of  Lieut.  Colonel,  and  held  that  posi 
tion  until  mustered  out.  Appointed  by  the  President 
Colonel,  by  Brevet,  of  United  States  Volunteers,  July 
12,  1865.  A  brave  and  gallant  officer,  beloved  by  every 
man  in  the  regiment.  Died  at  Davenport,  Iowa,  March 
22,  1882.  Widow's  address— Mrs.  Mary  Dow,  No.  425 
E.  Locust  St.,  Davenport,  La. 

Adjutant  Gilbert  K.  Woolsey.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  mustered  in 
Sept.  20,  1862,  as  Private  of  Co.  I).  Promoted  to  Cor 
poral  Oct.  13,  1862,  and  to  First  Serg.  March  16, 
1864.  Promoted  to  First  Lieut,  and  Adjutant  May  10, 
to  rank  from  April  25,  1865.  Residence — Normal,  Mc 
Lean  county,  Illinois. 

Quarter  Master  George  C.  Alden.  "  Enrolled  and  mustered  in  as 
First  Lieut,  and  Q.  M.  Sept.  10,  1862.  Captured  near 
Cassville,  Ga.,  May  24,  1864.  Paroled  at  Wilmington, 
N.  C.,  Feb'y  28,  1865.  Exchanged,  and  rejoined  regi 
ment  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  in  May,  1865.  Address- 
Fort  Collins,  Colorado. 

Surgeon  Luther  S.  Milliken.     Enrolled  and  mustered  in  Sept. 

15,  1862,  as  First  Assistant  Surgeon,  with  rank  of  Cap- 

.    tain.     Promoted  to  Surgeon,  with  rank  of  Major,  March 

22,  1863.     Brigade  Surgeon  a   considerable  portion   of 


836  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

the  last  year  of  the  war.  Remained  in  the  South,  and 
resided  there  ever  since  the  war.  Address — Franklin- 
ton,  Franklin  Co.,  North  Carolina. 

First  Assistant  Surgeon  Charles  DeHayen  Jones.  Enrolled  and 
mustered  in  May  4,  1863,  as  First  Assistant  Surgeon, 
with  rank  of  Captain.  Died  at  Mariner's  Harbor,  Stat- 
en  Island,  N.  Y.,  Feb'y  22,  1876. 

Second  Assistant  Surgeon  Wesley  Phillips.  Enrolled  and  mus 
tered  in  Jan'y  13,  1863,  as  Second  Assistant  Surgeon, 
with  rank  of  First  Lieut.  Address—Burnt  Prairie, 
White  county,  Illinois. 

PREVIOUSLY    DISCHARGED. 

Major  James  M.  Hosford.  Enrolled  Aug.  11, 1862,  and  elected 
Captain  of  Co.  I.  Upon  organization  of  regiment 
unanimously  elected  Major  by  a  vote  of  the  commis 
sioned  officers  and  of  the  enlisted  men.  Mustered  in 
as  Major  Sept.  22,  1862.  Eesigned  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
by  reason  of  disability,  caused  by  fall  of  his  horse  pro 
ducing  hernia,  Feb'y  1,  1863.  Employed  in  Commis 
sary  Department  at  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago,  111.,  from 
May,  1863  to  Oct.  1,  1865.  Eesidence — Geneseo,  Hen 
ry  county,  111. 

Surgeon  John  WT.  Spauldmg.  Enrolled  and  mustered  in  as 
Surgeon,  with  rank  of  Major,  Sept.  11,  1862.  Ee 
signed  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  by  reason  of  ill-health,  March 
22,  1863.  Died  at  Galesburg,  111.,  Feb'y  12,  1872. 

Adjutant  Henry  W.  Wells.  Enrolled  Aug.  9,1862,  at  Cam 
bridge,  111.,  in  Co.  D.  Appointed  Adjutant  Sept.  20, 
and  mustered  in  Sept.  22,  1862,  as  First  Lieut,  and  Ad 
jutant.  Mustered  out  Nov.  25,  1863,  for  promotion  to 
Major  in  1st  Tenn.  Heavy  Artillery.  Was  assigned 
to  duty  011  Staff  of  Gen.  Manson,  during  siege  of  Knox- 
ville ;  and  then  on  Staff  of  Gen.  Cox ;  and  then  as  Chief 
of  Engineers  and  Artillery  on  Staff  of  Gen.  Tillson,  un 
til  April  29,  1864,  when  he  was  appointed  Chief  of  Artil 
lery  of  the  3d  Div.  *23d  Corps,  Army  of  the  Ohio,  and 
held  that  position  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Also  serv 
ed  as  A.  A.  A.  G.,  3d  Div.  23d  A.  C.,  from  June  4,  to 
July  27,  1864 ;  and  Judge  Advocate  of  the  division  from 
June  27,  to  the  close  of  the  Atlanta  campaign,  in  addi 
tion  to  other  regular  staff  duties.  Eesidence — Peoria, 
Illinois. 

Adjutant  Bradford  F.  Thompson.  Appointed  Adjutant  from 
Co.  B,  March  7,  1864.  Promoted  to  Captain  of  Co.  B, 
May  9,  1865.  See  Co.  B. 


ROSTER  OF  THE  NON-COMMISSIONED  STAFF.      337 

Chaplain  Roswell  N.  Henderson.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  and  mus 
tered  in  as  Private  of  Co.  I,  Sept.  20,  1862.  Elected  by 
the  officers  of  the  regiment,  and  mustered  as  Chaplain, 
with  rank  of  Captain'  Oct.  8,  1862.  Resigned  at  the 
written  request  of  all  the  officers  of  the  regiment,  Oct. 
•JO,  1864. 

NON-COMMISSIONED  STAFF. 

Present  and  mustered   out  with  the  regiment  June  20,  1865. 

Commissary  Sergeant  Robert  F.  Steele.  Enlisted  Aug.  11, 
mustered  in  Sept.  20,  1862,  as  First  Sergeant  of  Co.  I. 
Appointed  Com.  Serg.  of  the  regiment  Oct.  3,  1862. 
Residence — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Quarter  Master  Sergeant  Albert  Walton.  Enlisted  Aug.  9, 
mustered  in  Sept.  20,  1862.  as  Private  of  Co.  1).  Act 
ing  Sergeant  Major  from  June  13,  to  Sept.  12,  1864. 
Appointed  Quartermaster  Sergeant  of  the  regiment 
Sept.  12,  1864.  Residence— St.  Paul,  Minn.  Business 
address—  161)  E.  Third  St. 

Hospital  Steward  Joseph  C.  Johnson.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  and 
mustered  in  Sept.  20,  1862,  as  Private  of  Co.  I.  Ap 
pointed  Hospital  Steward  Oct.  3,  1862.  Captured  on 
the  Saunders  Raid  into  East  Tennessee,  in  June,  1863. 
Paroled  at  Richmond,  Va.,  July  11 ;  exchanged  Sept. 
10,  and  rejoined  regiment  at  Bean's  Station,  in  E.  Tenn., 
Dec.  14,  1863.  Died  at  Mason  City,  111.,  Sept,  26,  1885. 

Principal  Musician  Robert  Fermaii.  Enlisted  Aug.  9,  and 
mustered  in  Sept.  20,  1862,  as  Musician  of  Co.  I).  Ap 
pointed  Principal  Musician  Oct.  3,  1862.  Member  of  Re 
gimental  Band  from  its  organization,  and  Leader  from 
Feb'y  29,  1864,  until  mustered  out.  Address — Blairs- 
town,  Benton  county,  Iowa. 

ABSENT. 

Sergeant  Major  Joseph  C.  Baird.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  in  Co.  1), 
and  mustered  in  Sept.  20,  1862,  as  Private  of  Co.  H. 
Appointed  Sergeant  Major  Oct.  3,  1862.  Wounded  in 
iu-tionnear  Philadelphia,  Term.,  Oct.  26,  1863.  Absent 
(  11  recruiting  service  from  Jaii'y  15,  to  April  13,  1864. 
.-•  bsent  sick  from  June  13,  1864.  Discharged  at  U.  8. 
(:  en.  Hospital,  Keokuk,  Iowa,  July  26,  1865.  Address 
Dodge  City,  Ford  county,  Kansas. 

DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Quarter  Master  Sergeant  George  Bernard.     Enlisted  Aug.   11, 
in  Co.  1),  and  mustered  in  Sept.  20,   1862,  as  Private  of 
—22 


888  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Co.  H.  Appointed  Quarter  Master  Sergeant  Oct.  3, 
1862.  Died  of  disease  in  hospital  at  Marietta,  Ga., 
Aug.  24,  and  buried  Aug.  25,  1864.  Remains  removed 
and  interred  in  the  National' Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga., 
after  the  war.  No.  of  Grave  7,269,  in  Section  G. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  regiment,  12 

Absent,  -    1 

Previously  Discharged,  5 

Died,  1 

Total,  19 


COMPANY  A. 

Enrolled  at  Annawan,  Henry  County,  Illinois,  August,  1862. 

Organized  August  12,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  August  12,  1862. 
'Mufctared  into  the  United  States  service  Sept.  20,  1862. 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company  June  20,  1865  : 

Captain  John  L.  Dow.  Enrolled  Aug.  12,  mustered  in  Sept. 
20.  1862,  as  Second  Lieut.  Promoted  to  First  Lieut. 
April  13,  to  rank  from  Feb'y  1,  1868.  Promoted  to 
Captain  March  5,  1864,  to  rank  from  Nov.  18,  1868. 
Wounded  in  action  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French 
Broad  River,  in  E.  Teiin.,  Jaii'y  28,  1H64.  Acting  As 
sistant  Inspector  General  of  2nd  Brig.  1st  Div.  Cavalry 
Corps,  Army  of  the  Ohio,  from  July  15,  1868,  to  Jan'y  1, 
1864  :  and  also  performed  the  duties  of  Provost  Marshal 
part  of  the  same  time.  Provost  Marshal  of  the  23d  Army 
Corps  from  April  3,  1865,  until  mustered  out.  One  of 
the  commissioners  appointed  April  24,  1865,  to  carry 
out  the  terms  of  the  Military  Convention  entered  into 
between  Major  Gen.  Sherman  and  Gen.  Joseph  E. 
Johnston  for  the  surrender  of  the  Confederate  army. 
Residence — Davenport,  Iowa . 

Second  Lieut.  Thomas  J.  Williams.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant. 
Promoted  to  First  Sergeant  March  5,  1864 ;  and  to 
Second  Lieut.  Sept.  20,  to  rank  from  Aug.  10,  1864. 
Commissioned  First  Lieut.,  but  not  mustered.  Slightly 
wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga., 
Aug.  6,  1864.  Address — Henry,  Ray  Co.,  Missouri. 

First  Sergeant  Jesse  GobJe.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Pro 
moted  Sept.  20,  1864.  Commissioned  Second  Lieut. 


liOSTEH  OF  COMPANY  A.  331) 

June  15,  1865,  but  not  mustered.  Wounded  in  action  at 
Franklin,  Term.,  Nov.  30,  1864.  Address,  Beatrice, 
Gage  county,  Nebraska. 

Sergeant  Harrison  P.  Large.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
mote  1  April  13,  1808.  Starred  for  the  Black  Hills  with 
a  company  of  explorers  in  1873,  and  not  since  heard 
from.  The  whole  company  supposed  to  have  been  kill 
ed  by  Indians. 

Sergeant  Walter  S.  Younkin.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal. 
Promoted  Sept.  1,  1803.  Died  at  Annawan,  Henry  Co., 
Ills.,  Dec.  19,  1868. 

Sergeant  William  Trover.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  April  15,  181)4.  Address — Dorchester,  Saline  Co., 
Nebraska. 

Sergeant  Marvin  Stewart.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  to  Sergeant  April  '28,  1805.  Address — Plum 
Creek,  Dawson  Co.,  Nebraska. 

Corporal  Celsus  Orton.     Resides  in  Canada — P.  ().  not  known. 

Corporal  Willis  H.  Williams.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  Sept.  1,  1803.  Address — -PilotMound,  JBoone  Co., 
Iowa. 

Corporal  John  II.  Batten.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  Sept.  15,  1804.  Address — Pueblo,  Pueblo  Co., 
Colorado. 

Corporal  Thomas  Dennis.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promot 
ed  July  1,  1804.  Address,  Clay  Center,  Clay  county, 
Kansas. 

Corporal  James  Slick.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
April  28,  1805.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  August  0,  1804.  Died  at  Swede  Point,  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  Nov.  20,  1880. 

Corporal  Hsnry  H,  Lc-Kmard.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  April  28,  1805.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at 
Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Sa.,  Aug.  0,  1864. 

Musician  John  A.  Hart.  Member  of  .Regimental  Band  from 
its  organization  until  mustered  out.  Address,  Oska- 
.loosa,  Jefferson  county,  Kansas. 

Musician  William  B.  McChesney.  Member  of  Regimental 
Band  from  its  organization  until  mustered  out.  Ad 
dress,  Eureka,  Greenwood  county,  Kansas. 

Wagoner  Henry  J.  McGath.  Captured  at  Athens,  Tenn., 
Sept.  27,  1863.  Paroled  April  30,  and  exchanged  May 
7,  '04.  Rejoined  regiment  Aug.  8,  '04.  Address,  Chirks, 
Merrick  county,  Nebraska. 


340  HISTORY  OF  THE  -112TH  ILLINOIS. 

PRIVATES. 

Jacob  Brenner.     Address,  Adair,  Adair  county,  Iowa. 

James  S.  Braden.     Address,  Goldfield,  Wright  county,  Iowa. 

JolmE.  Buckley.  Died  at  Albia,  Henry  county,  111.,  Nov.  -28,  '81. 

Josiah  B.  Cope.     Address,    Humboldt,    Richardson   Co.,  Neb. 

Martin  Caughey.     Address — Utica,  Seward  Co.,  Nebraska. 

Holbert  Caughey.     Address — Utica,  Seward  Co.,  Nebraska. 

Patrick  Cummings.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga., 
May  14,  '64.  Address — Massillon,  Stark  county,  Ohio. 

Edwin  Demott.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  '28.  '08. 
Paroled  next  day :  exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined 
company  at  Bean's  Station,  in  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '(58. 
Address — Beaver  City,  Furnas  county,  Nebraska. 

Henry  Fisher.   Address — Menno,  Hutchinson  county,  Dakota. 

Michael  Follett.  Address  -Walla  Walla,  Walla  Walla  county, 
Washington  Ter. 

Stafford  Godfrey.  Wounded  in  action  at  Bean's  Station,  E. 
Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  1808;  and  again  at  I  toy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  0,  1804.  Reported  "absent"  on  mus 
ter  out  roll  of  company,  but  was  discharged  at  Greens 
boro,  N.  C.,  June  20,  1865.  Address — Luvernc,  Kossuth 
county,  Iowa. 

George  W.  Hayes.  Address — Blandinsville,  McDonough  coun 
ty,  Illinois. 

Henry  H.    Harris.      Address — Anna-wan,    Henry   county.  111. 

Herman  Hirschberger.     Address — Annawan,  Henry  Co.,   111. 

Frederick  Kukuk.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
Nov.  17,  '68. 

August  Meiers.  Regimental  Bugler  from  Jan'y  '08,  until  dis 
charged.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Reduced  at  his 
own  request.  Residence — Henry,  Marshall  county.  111. 

Henry  Moyer.  Captured  on  Saunders  Raid  into  East  Tennes 
see  in  June,  '68.  Paroled  July  11;  exchanged  Sept.  10, 
and  rejoined  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec. 
14,  '68. 

Robert  McDermond.  Died  at  Annawan,  Henry  county,  Ills., 
Nov.  24,  '82. 

Stephen  T.  Momeny.     Address — Pipeston,  Berrien  Co.,  Mich. 

William  Patten.  Wounded  inaction  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
80,  '64.  Address — Cambridge,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

William  K.  Porter.     Address — Huxley,  Custer  county,    Neb. 

Hiram  Plumnier.     Residence— Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  A.  341 

Henry  J.  Richmond.     Address — Manson,  Calhoun  county,  la. 

Henry  Slick.     Address — Taraa,  Tania  county,  Iowa. 

Charles  J.  Smith.  Address — Prophetstown,  Whiteside,  coun 
ty,  Illinois. 

Lewis  W.  Smith.  Died  at  l)e  Soto.  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  Oct. 
0,  '85. 

Lewis  Stagner.  Captured  at  Athens,  Tenn.,  Sept.  '27,  '(53, 
while  sick  in  hospital.  Escaped  and  concealed  him 
self  until  Union  troops  reoccupied  the  town,  Oct.  2,  '63. 
Address — Annawan,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

John  Willett.  Wounded  in  action  at  Ttoy  Creek,  near  Atlan 
ta,  Ga.,  Aug.  (3,  04  :  and  again,  slightly,  in  the  battle  of 
Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  3i),  '01.  Address — Annawan, 
Henry  county,  Illinois. 

ABSENT. 

Corporal  James  M.  J3ice.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '03.  Captured  in  action  atjTtoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  (hi.,  Aug.  0,  Y>4.  Paroled  at  Jacksonville, 
Fla.,  April  10,  "05.  Not  exchanged.  Never  rejoined 
company.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  Ills.,  July  1,  '05. 
Discharge  dated  May  3D.  Address — Clarks,  Merrick 
county,  Nebraska. 

John  W.  Adair.  Captured  at  Cassville,  Ga.,  May  24,  '04.  Ex 
changed  at  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  March  1,  '05.  Never  re 
joined  company.  Discharged  June  '20.  '05.  Residence, 
Mendota,  LaSalle  county,  Illinois. 

Lawrence  Dingman.  Absent  sick.  Discharged  July  1,  '05. 
Accidentally  killed  in  Florida  in  '83. 

Thomas  E.  Mathews.  Enlisted  Aug.  0,  '02.  Captured  in 
action  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '04.  Paroled  at 
Jacksonville,  Fla.,  April  28,  '05.  Not  exchanged.  Never 
rejoined  company.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  July 
3,  '05.  Discharge  dated  June  1,  but  no:  received  until 
July  3d.  Address — Eagle  Grove,  Wright  county,  Iowa. 

Aloiizo  Rockefeller.  Captured  in  action  at  Franklin,  Tenn., 
Nov.  30,  '04.  Paroled  at  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  April  28,  '05. 
Not  exchanged.  Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged 
at  Springfield.  111.,  July  1,  '05.  Address — Annawan, 
Henry  county.  111. 

Joel  Stillwell.  Absent  sick.  Discharged  at  Nashville,  Tenn., 
July  21),  '05.  In  every  battle  of  the  regiment.  Address 
Eureka,  Greenwood  county,  Kansas. 


842  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

PREVIOUSLY    DISCHARGED. 

Captain  Tristram  T.  Dow.  Enrolled  Aug.  12,  and  mustered 
in  as  Captain  Sept.  20,  '02 ;  promoted  to  Major  March 
22,  to  rank  from  Feb.  1,  '03.  See  Field  and  Staff. 

First  Lieut.  James  P.  McChesney.  Mustered  in  as  First  Ser 
geant  ;  promoted  to  Second  Lieut.  April  13,  to  rank 
from  Feb.  1,  '03,  and  to  First  Lieut.  March  5,  '04,  to 
rank  from  NOT.  18,  '03,  but  not  mustered  as  Fiist  Lieut. 
Resigned  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  August  10,  '04.  Address 
—New  Richmond,  St.  Croix  county,  Wisconsin. 

First  Lieut.  LeanderU.  Browning.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant ; 
promoted  to  First  Sergeant  April  13,  '03 ;  to  Second 
Lieut.  March  5,  '04,  to  rank  from  Nov.  18,  '03 ;  and  to 
First  Lieut  Sept.  20,  to  rank  from  Aug.  10,  '04.  Wound 
ed  in  action  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '04.  Resign 
ed  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  May  20,  '05.  Residence- 
Clinton,  Clinton  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  James  M.  Latimer.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
Feb.,  '03  ;  disability.  Address — Vandalia,  Jasper  coun 
ty,  Iowa. 

PRIVATES. 

Isaac  Bice.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  April,  '03;  disa 
bility.  Died  at  Annawan,  Henry  Co.,  111.,  June  2,  73. 

Elisha  K.  Brown.  Discharged  Jan.  28,  '05.  Address — York- 
town,  Bureau  county,  111. 

James  R.  Batten.  Wounded  in  action  at  ITtoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  0,  '04.  Discharged  by  reason  of 
wounds  at  U.  S.  General  Hospital,  Mound  City,  111., 
May  12,  '05.  Address — Annawan,  Henry  county,  111. 

Jeffrey  H.  Browning.  Discharged  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  May 
3,  '05.  Address — Annawan,  Henry  county,  111. 

William  Benson.  Captured  at  Athens,  Tenn.,  Sept.  27,  '03. 
Jumped  from  the  cars  and  escaped  on  the  way  to  Atlan 
ta,  and  rejoined  the  company  at  Athens  Oct.  5,-  '03. 
Discharged  at  Beaufort,  N.  C.,  May  9,  '05.  Address- 
Turner,  Marion  county,  Oregon. 

Joseph  Dingman.  Wounded  in  action  at  Philadelphia,  Tenn., 
Oct.  20,  '03.  Discharged  June  1,  '05.  Address— Pres- 
cott,  Adams  county,  Iowa. 

Vester  Goble.  Captured  in  action  at  Kiioxville,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
18,  '03.  Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  June 
2,  '05.  Address — Caldwell,  Simmer  county,  Kansas. 

Washington  Gooding.  Wounded  in  action  at  Bean's  Station, 
Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '03.  Discharged  by  reason  of  wounds 


EOSTEK  OF  COMPANY  A.  843 

at  Camp  Nelson,   Ky.,  Sept.  20,  '64.  Address — Dayton, 
Webster  county,  Iowa. 

James  A.  Irwin.  Injured  by  fall  while  on  guard  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  in  the  night,  in  March,  '63;  fractured  bone  in  left 
leg.  Discharged  at  Quincy,  111.,  Feb.  4.  '64.  Address 
— Stuart,  Guthrie  county,  Iowa. 

David  J.  King.  Discharged  May  15,  '65.  Died  in  Missouri 
in  '76. 

Jerome  T.  Kepler.     Wounded   in   action  at  Franklin,  Tenn., 
Nov.  30,  '64.     Discharged  -by  reason  of  wounds  at  Chi 
cago,  111.,  May  20,  '65.     Address — Webster  City,  Ham 
ilton  county,  Iowa. 

John  L.  Lenhart.  Left  sick  at  Thompson's  Station,  Tenn., 
Nov.  12,  '64.  Discharged  May  31,  '65  ;  disability. 

Addison  C.  Leonard.  Captured  on  the  Saunders'  Eaid  into 
E.  Tenn.,  in  June,  '63.  Paroled  July  11 ;  exchanged 
Sept.  10,  '63.  Discharged  April  18,  '64";  disability. 

Philip  Myers.  Discharged  at  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio,  June  4, 
'63 ;  disability.  Address — Grand  Junction,  Greene 
county,  Iowa. 

Ephraim  T.  Woodruff.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  May 
'63 ;  disability.  Died  at  home  before  muster  out  of 
company. 

Philip  J.  Wintz.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
18,  '63,  and  left  on  the  field.  Escaped  through  the  en 
emy's  lines  and  rejoined  the  command  in  Knoxville. 
Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Kesaca,  Ga.,  May  14, 
'64.  Severely  injured  in  ankle  near  Kiiiston,  N,  C., 
while  on  his  way  to  the  regiment  in  Feb'y,  '65.  Dis 
charged  at  Beaufort,  N.  C.,  June  14,  '65.  Address — 
Anna-wan,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  VETERAN  RESERVE  CORPS. 

James  H.  Bradford.  Transferred  in  '63.  Died  at  Annawan, 
Henry  county,  111.,  Feb'y  22,  '74. 

William  J.  Eyer.  Transferred  March  24,  '65.  Discharged  at 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  July  3.  '65.  Address — Kewanee,  Hen 
ry  county,  Illinois. 

Joseph  Johnson.  Accidentally  wounded  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
Feb'y  6,  '63.  Transferred  May  1,  '65.  Address — An 
nawan,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

John  C.  Troyer.  Wounded  in  action  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the 
French  Broad  Elver,  inE.  Tenn.,  Jan'y  28,  '64.  Trans 
ferred  by  reason  of  wounds,  March  15,  '65.  Discharged 


344  HISTOKY  OF  THE  11'2TH  ILLINOIS. 

at  Louisville,  Ky.,  Aug.  24,  '(55.     Address — Dorchester, 
Saline  county,  Nebraska. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Captain  Asa  A.  Lee.  Enrolled  Aug.  12,  and  mustered  in 
Sept.  20,  '6*2,  as  First  Lieut.  Promoted  April  18, 
to  rank  from  Feb.  1,  '03.  Mortally  wounded  in  action 
at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  died  on  the  same 
day.  His  remains  removed  and  interred  in  the  National 
Cemetery  at  Knoxville,  Jan'y  31,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  440. 

Sergeant  Lucius  C.  Niles.  Drowned  in  Emery  Biver,  near 
Kingston,  Tenn.,  Aug.  31,  '63.  His  remains  recovered 
and  buried  by  moon-light  near  the  place  of  his  death. 

Corporal  Charles  B.  Valentine.  Killed  in  action  at  Kelly's 
Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  Paver,  in  E.  Tenn.,  Jan'y 
28,  '64.  No  record  of  burial. 

Corporal  John  B.  Heaps.  Mustered  in  as  Private  ;  promoted 
April  13,  '63.  Killed  in  action  at  Besaca,  Ga.,  May  14, 
'64,  while  on  duty  as  Color  Guard.  No  record  of  place 
of  burial.  See  note  a. 

Corporal  Henry  Caughey.  Mustered  in  as  Private  ;  promoted 
April  15,  '63.  Died  near  Fort  Anderson,  on  the  ("ape 
Fear  Biver,  N.  C.,  Feb'y  20,  '65.  Said  to  have  been 
poisoned.  No  record  of  place  of  burial. 

PRIVATES. 

Milton  Barton.  Beported  "missing"  at  the  battle  of  Frank 
lin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Killed  in  action;  left  on  the 
field,  and  buried  by  the  enemy.  Among  the  "unknown" 
in  National  Cemetery  at  Madison,  near  Nashville.  See 
note  b. 

Lorenzo  Brown.  Kicked  to  death  by  a  government  mule  near 
Waynesburg,  Ky.,  April  23,  '64.  Buried  in  the  Nation 
al  Cemetery  at  Mill  Springs,  Ky.  No.  of  Grave,  707. 

Joseph  S.  Baremore.  Killed  in  action  at  Besaca,  Ga.,  May 
14,  '64.  No  record  of  burial. 

James  Caughey.  Mortally  wounded  in  action  at  Franklin, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Died  at  Nashville,  Dec.  3,  '64. 
Buried  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Madison,  near 
Nashville,  Tenn.  No.  of  Grave  2,792. 

Nelson  H.  Cole.  Captured  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63. 
Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  Aug.  29,  '64. 
No.  of  Grave  7,212. 

Andrew  J.  Davis.     Captured  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  A.  345 

])ied  in  rebel  prison  at  Anders  onville,  Ga.,  Aprils.  '64. 

No.  of  Grave  356. 
Bradley  W.  Diltz.     Killed  in   action  at   Bean's  Station,  East 

Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '68.     No  record  of  burial. 
John   H.    Fuller.     Died   in   Nashville,    Term.,    Jan'y   8,    '65. 

Buried  in  National  Cemetery  at  Madison,  near  Nash 
ville.     No.  of  Grave  9,548. 
Salem  B.  Giles.     Captured  at   Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63. 

Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  Sept.  6,  '64. 

Number  of  Grave  7,988. 
Luther  M.  Harrington.     Captured  at  Knoxville,    Tenn.,  Nov. 

18,  '63.     Died  in   rebel  prison    at  Anderson ville,    Ga., 

June  29,  '64.     No.  of  Grave  2,633. 
John  Hords.     Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville,    Tenn.,  Nov.  18, 

'63.     Left    on    the    held   and  buried    by    the    enemy. 

Among  the   "unknown"  in   the  National   Cemetery    at 

Knoxville.     See  note  c. 
Patrick  Kenney.     Mortally  wounded  in  action  at   Franklin, 

Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64,  and  left   on  the  field.     Died  in  the 

hands  of  the  enemy,  at  Franklin,  Dec.  6,  '64.     Buried 

by  the  enemy.     No  record  of  grave. 
William  McMillan.     Died  in  hospital  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb'y 

'63.     Buried  in  Government  lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery. 

No.  of  Grave  312.     See  note  d. 
Jesse  H.  Morgan.     Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville.  Nov.  18,  '63. 

Left  on  the  field  and  buried  by  the  enemy. 
Thomas  Nowers.     Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Nov.  18,    '63. 

Left  on  the  field  and  buried  by  the  enemy. 
Squire  S.  Pope.     Died  in  hospital  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.  16, 

'63.  Buried  on  Government  lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery. 

No.  of  Grave,  269. 
Joseph  Patten.     Died   in  hospital  at  Stanford,    Ky.,  May  19, 

'63.     No  record  of  burial. 
John  Winters.     Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov. 

17,  '63.     Died  of  Avounds  at  Nashville,   Tenn..  April  21, 

'64.     Buried   in   National   Cemetery  at   Madison,  near 

Nashville.     No.  of  Grave,  13991). 

Truman    A.    Woodruff.     Died   in  hospital  at  Lexington,  Ky., 

Nov.  18,  '62.     Buried  on  Government  Lot  in   Lexington 

Cemetery.     No.  of  Grave,  124. 
Frederick  A.  Woodruff.     Keported  "missing"  at  the    battle  of 

Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.     Killed  in  action  ;  left  on 

the  field  and  buried  by  the  enemy. 
—23 


346  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

S.ephen  M.  Esterbrook.     Deserted  at  Peoria,  111.,  Oct.  4,  '62. 

PRIVATES — 

Eacruits,  transferred  to  Co.  F,  65th  111.  Vols.,    (consolidated), 
June  29,  '65  ;  mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  July  13,  '65  : 

Walter  Barton.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec.  21,  '63,  for 
three  years. 

Stephen  L.  Blankinship..  Enlisted  Sept.  24,  mustered,  in  Nov. 
15,  '63,  for  three  years.  Wounded  in  action  at  Frank 
lin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  A  loyal  Tennessean.  Return 
ed  to  that  State  after  his  discharge. 

Edward  Caughey.  Enlisted  March  18,  mustered  in  April  25, 
'68,  Bfor  three  years.  Address- -Newton,  Jasper  Co.,  la. 

Jacob  Hock.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec.  28,  '63,  for  three 
years. 

Andrew  Kopp.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec.  28,  '63,  for 
three  years. 

Philip  Meyer.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  20,  '64,  for 
three  years. 

Lorenzo  1).  Pope.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  1,  '65, 
for  one  year. 

John  Richmond.  Enlisted  March  '12,  mustered  in  April  25, 
'64,  for  three  years.  Address — Manson,  Calhoun  coun 
ty.  Iowa. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  regiment,  44 

Absent,  6 

Previously  Discharged,  20 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  4 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  25 

Deserted,  1 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  65th  111.,  8 

Total,  108 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  F.  347 

COMPANY  F. 

Enrolled  at  Toulon,  Stark  Comity,  Illinois,  August,  1862. 

Organized,  August   15,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments   not  otherwise  stated,  Aug.  15,  1862 
Mustered  into  the  United  States   service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company.  June  20,  1865 : 

Captain  James  G.  Armstrong.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  and  muster 
ed  in  Sept.  20,  1862,  as  First  Sergeant.  Promoted  to 
Second  Lieut.  March  10,  to  rank  from  March  5,  1863  ; 
to  First  Lieut.  Aug.  5,  to  rank  from  June  16.  1803,  and 
to  Captain  Sept.  14,  to  rank  from  June  24,  1864.  A.  A. 
Q.  M.  of  2nd  Brig.  1st  Div.  Cav.  Corps,  Army  of  Ohio, 
from  March  5,  to  April  8,  1864.  He  and  two  of  his  sons 
were  killed  by  lightning,  in  Greene  county,  Iowa,  Aug. 
81,  1881. 

First  Lieut.  Bushrod  Tapp.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62,  and  mus 
tered  in  as  Sergeant.  Promoted  to  First  Serg.  April  1, 
1864,  and  to  First  Lieut.  Dec.  10,  to  rank  from  June  24, 
'64.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Bean's  Station,  PJ. 
Term.,  Deo.  16,  '63,  and  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French 
Broad  Kiver,  E.  Temi.,  J.an'y  28,  '64.  Address— Wy 
oming,  Stark  county,  111. 

First  Serg.  Henry  B.  Perry.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62,  and  mus 
tered  in  as  Corporal.  Promoted  to  Sergeant  March  10, 
'63  and  to  First  Serg.  Jan'y  1,  '65.  Commissioned.  Sec 
ond  Lieut.  June  15,  '65,  but  not  mustered.  Address- 
Toulon.  Stark  county,  111. 

Sergeant  Andrew  Harty.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
to  Corporal  Aug.  5,  '63,  and  to  Sergeant  Sept.  1,  18(54. 
Wounded  in  action  near  Philadelphia,  Temi.,  Oct.  26, 
'63.  Address— Bradford,  Stark  county,  111. 

Sergeant  James  II.  Gelvin.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62,  and  mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  to  Corporal  Feb'y  26. 
'64,  and  to  Sergeant  Sept.  1,  '64.  Slightly  wounded  in 
action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  No*T.  18,  '63.  Address- 
Duncan,  Stark  county,  111. 

Sergeant  William  P.  Ballentine.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62,  and 
mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  to  Corporal  April  1, 
'64,  and  to  Sergeant  Jan'y  1,  '65.  Seriously  injured  011 
the  road  home  after  muster  out — standing  on  a  car  as 
the  train  passed  under  a  low  bridge,  and  his  head  struck 
the  bridge — near  York,  Penn.  Was  left  in  hospital  at 
Harrisburg,  but  recovered  and  returned  home.  Address 
— Blooinington,  Osborne  county,  Kansas. 


348  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Sergeant  William  H.  Ely.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promot 
ed  to  Sergeant  Sept.  1,  '64.  Address — Webster  City, 
Hamilton  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  Levi  Silliman.  Enlisted  Aug.  18,  '02.  Wounded  in 
action  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '(54.  Residence— Tou 
lon,  Stark  county,  111. 

Corporal  Milton  Trickle.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '6*2.  Address- 
Atkinson,  Henry  county,  111. 

Corporal  James  E.  Finley.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  Eeb'y  26,  '64.  Wounded  in  action  near  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  .July  21,  '04.  Address — Perry,  Dallas  county,  la. 

Corporal  George  G.  Stone.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promot 
ed  Sept.  1,  '(54.  Wounded  inaction  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
Nov.  18,  '68,  and  again  at  liesaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64. 
Address — Plainview,  Pierce  county,  Nebraska. 

Corporal  James  Hughes.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
Sept.  1,  '64.  Address — Spearville,  Ford  county,  Kan. 

Corporal  Andrew  Kamerer.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  Sept.  1,  '64.  Captured  on  the  Saunders  Raid,  at 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  June  20,  '68.  Paroled  at  Richmond, 
Va.,  July  11;  exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  the 
company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '68. 
Address — AYest  Jersey,  Stark  county,  111. 

Corporal  Samuel  M.  Adams.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Muster 
ed  in  as  Private  Promoted  Jan'y  1,  '65.  Residence- 
Toulon,  Stark  county,  111. 

Corporal  Jacob  Yulgamott.  Enlisted  Aug.  19,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Private.  Promoted  June  1,  '65.  Residence — 
Denver,  Colorado. 

PEIVATES. 

Henry  C.  Ackley.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb'y  23, 
'68.  Paroled  Feb'y  24 ;  exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoin 
ed  the  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14, 
'68.  Address — Gilman,  Marshall  county,  Iowa. 

Alfred  C.  Ballentine.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '68.  Address — Eu 
gene,  Ringgold  county,  Iowa. 

George  Boyd.  Enlisted  Aug.  18,  '62.  Address— Grafton,  Fill- 
more  county,  Nebraska. 

Edwin  Butler.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Mustered  in  as  Ser 
geant  ;  promoted  to  First  Sergeant  Aug.  5,  '68.  Detail 
ed  to  work  on  the  "Athens  Union  Post,"  at  Athens, 
Tenn.,  and  when  the  Union  troops  retreated  was  cap- 
tiuedj  in  the  night  of  Sept.  26,  '63.  Reduced  to  tlje 


KOSTEB  OF  COMPANY  F.  349 

ranks  April  1,  '64,  while  a  prisoner  of  war,  without 
cause  or  excuse,  except  to  create  a  vacancy  for  the  ap 
pointment  of  another  First  Sergeant  of  the  company. 
Residence — Toulon,  Stark  county,  111. 

Samuel  M.  Eldridge.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Detailed  as 
Regimental  Postmaster  Oct.  3,  '62,  and  served  as  P.  M. 
of  the  regiment  or  brigade  until  mustered  out.  Kesi 
dence — Galva,  Ida  county,  Iowa. 

John  I).  Essex.     Address — Valparaiso,  Saunders  county,  Neb. 

Milton  Headley.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Kesidence— Toulon, 
Stark  county,  111. 

James  P.  Headley.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Detailed  as  musi 
cian,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Regimental  Band  from 
its  organization  until  mustered  out.  Residence — Tou 
lon,  Stark  county,  111. 

William  Himes.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Slightly  wounded  in 
action  at  Utoy  Creek,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Address — Lew 
is,  Cass  county,  Iowa. 

Austin  C.  Himes.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Address — LaFay- 
ette,  Stark  county,  111. 

Peter  C.  Johnson.  Enlisted  in  Co.  F,  but  mustered  in  as  of 
Co.  H.  Transferred  back  to  Co.  F,  Nov.  1,  '62.  Ad 
dress — Hinsdale,  DuPage  county,  111. 

George  W.  Johnson.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64. 

Timothy  Kenely.     Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.     Reported  dead. 

Royal  Lafferty.     Address — Emporia,  Lyon  county,  Kansas. 

Job  C.  Mahaffey.  Enlisted  .Vug.  14,  '62.  Wounded  in  action 
at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River,  in  E.  Tenn., 
Jan'y  28,  '64.  Address— Henderson,  Knox  county,  111, 

Robert  Makings.  Enlisted  Aug.  21,  '62.  Died  at  WTest  Jersey, 
Stark  county,  111.,  Dec.  15,  '73. 

Theodore  McDaniel.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Address— Wy 
oming,  Stark  county,  111. 

Charles  McComsey.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62,  in  Co.  F,  but  mus 
tered  in  as  of  Co.  H.  Transferred  back  to  Co.  F,  Nov. 
1,  '62.  Residence — Toulon,  Stark  county,  111. 

Hiram  G.  Parrish.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  On  detached  duty 
as  teamster  in  23d  Corps  train  from  Feb'y  1,  64,  until 
mustered  out.  Address — Afton,  Union  county,  Iowa. 

Jacob  Stauffer.  Enlisted  Aug.  14, '62  Address — EastLynne, 
Cass  county,  Missouri. 

Frank  A.  Stone.    Enlisted  Aug,  11,  '62,  in  Co.  F,  but  muste*- 


850  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ed  in  as  of  Co.  H.  Transferred  back  to  Co.  F,  Nov.  1, 
'62.  Eesidence — Westboro,  Mass. 

Ephraim  W.  Smith.  On  detached  service  in  Division  Com 
missary  Department.  Enemy  attacked  herd  of  cattle 
in  his  charge,  at  Thompson's  Station,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30, 
'64,  killed  his  horse,  and  captured  fifty  head  of  cattle. 
Address — Toulon,  Stark  county,  111. 

Ira  Scranton.  On  detached  service,  as  teamster  in  23d  Corps 
train,  from  Sept.  19,  '64,  until  mustered  out. 

Presley  Tyrrell.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Address — West  Jersey, 
Stark  county,  111. 

Benjamin  W.  Todd.  Enlisted  Aug,  22,  '62.  Address— Ida 
Grove,  Ida  county,  Iowa. 

William  Yulgamott.  Address — Burlington  Junction,  Noda- 
way  county,  Missouri. 

David  Webster.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Address — West  Jer 
sey,  Stark  county,  111. 

ABSENT. 

James  Me Shurry.  Enlisted  Aug.  19,  '62.  Captured  at  Col 
umbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64;  paroled  April  15,  '65.  Not- 
exchanged.  Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  at 
Beiiton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  June  20,  '65.  Address 
— Castleton,  Stark  county,  Illinois. 

Zarah  H.  Newton.  Captured,  while  driving  ambulance,  near 
Pine  Mt.,  (ra.,  June  6,  '64.  Paroled  prisoner  of  war  at 
Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  Not  exchanged  ;  dis 
charged  at  St.  Louis,  July  15,  '65.  Address — Yolo,  Yo- 
lo  county,  California. 

Jesse  B.  Taylor.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62,  in  Co.  F,  but  muster 
ed  in  as  of  Co.  II.  Transferred  back  to  Co.  F,  Nov.  1, 
'62;  captured  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64;  parol 
ed  April  15,  '65;  not  exchanged;  never  rejoined  com 
pany.  Discharged  at  Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
June  20,  '65. 

PREVIOUSLY    DISCHARGED. 

First  Lieut.  Jackson  Lorance.  Enrolled  Aug.  11,  and  mus 
tered  in  Sept.  20,  '62,  as  First  Lieut.  Resigned,  by 
reason  of  ill-health,  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March  5,  '63. 
Address — Burlington  Junction,  Nodaway  Co.,  Missouri. 

Second  Lieut.  George  C.  Maxfield.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant. 
Promoted  to  First  Sergeant  March  10,  '63,  and  to  Sec 
ond  Lieut.  Aug.  5,  4o  rank  from  June  16,  63.  Wound 
ed  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Resign- 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  F.  351 

ed  at  Decatur,  Ga.,  Sept.  11,  '64.  Residence,  Fair 
mont,  Fillmore  county,  Nebraska. 

Sergeant  3ohn  F.  Rhodes.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62,  and  mus 
tered  in  as  Corporal.  Promoted  Feb.  26,  '64.  Severely 
wounded  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Dis 
charged,  by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Chicago,  111.,  July  28, 
'61.  Address — Toulon,  Stark  county,  111. 

Corporal  William  Rounds.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Discharg 
ed  at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  May  18,  '64— disability.  Died 
at  Toulon,  Stark  county,  111.,  March  11,  1873. 

Corporal  David  Tinlin.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62,  and  mustered 
in  as  Private.  Promoted  March  10,  '63.  Discharged 
at  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  24,  '65 — disability.  Residence, 
Toalon,  Stark  county,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

William  H.  Barton.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  %62.  Severely  wound 
ed  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Discharged, 
by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Quincy,  ill.,  Feb.  24,  '65.  Ad 
dress— Walkerville,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

William  Boyd.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Discharged  at  Beau 
fort,  N.  C.,  May  21),  '65.  Died  at  Toulon,  Stark  coun 
ty,  III.,  May  7,  75. 

Nathaniel  Crabtree.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenu., 
Nov.  18,  '63— left  leg  amputated.  Discharged  at  Chica 
go,  111.,  July  23,  '64. 

James  N.  Davison.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  12, 
'63.  Address — Corydon,  Wayne  county,  Iowa. 

Henry  Garner.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62  Discharged  at  Lexing 
ton,  Ky.,  Jan.  12,  '63 — disability.  Address — Unionviile, 
Putnam  county,  Missouri. 

George  Graen.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Absent  sick  from  Dec. 
12,  '64.  Discharged  at  Chester,  Perm.,  June  2,  '65 — dis 
ability.  Residence,  Toulon,  Stark  county,  111. 

William  H.  Harris.  Absent  sick  at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  from 
April  17,  '64.  Discharged  at  Camp  Nelson,  May  20, 
'65 — disability.  Married  and  remained  in  Kentucky. 
Address — Milledgeville,  Ky. 

Josiah  Minor.  Enlisted  Aug.  19,  '62.  On  detached  service 
from  July  28,  '64.  Discharged  June  12,  '65. 

William  B.  Price.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  13, 
'63 — disability.  Address — Spirit  Lake,  Dickinson  coun 
ty,  Iowa. 

Thomas  Proctor.     Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.   Discharged  at  Camp 


352  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 


Nelson,  Ky.,  Sept.  20,  '64—  disability.  '^Died  at  Daven 
port,  Iowa,  since  the  close  of  the  war. 

Robert  G.  Stowe.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Discharged  at  Ma 
rine  Hospital,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Nov.  '62  —  disability. 
Address  —  Shenandoah,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

William  A.  Stowe.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Severely  wounded 
in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64. 
Discharged,  by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Benton  Barracks, 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  April  9,  '65.  Died  at  Beaver  City,  Fur- 
nas  county,  Nebraska,  from  the  effects  of  wounds,  May 
1,  '84. 

William  T.  Shore.  Recruit.  Enlisted  Feb.  14,  mustered  in 
June  6,  '63,  for  three  years.  Discharged  fat  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  May  13,  '65  —  disability.  Address  —  Tarkio,  Page 
county,  Iowa. 

Henry  S.  Stone.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62,  in  Co.*F,  but  muster 
ed  in  as  of  Co.  H.  Transferred  back  to  Co.  F  Nov.  1, 
'62.  Severely  wounded  in  action  fat  Franklin,  Tenn., 
Nov.  30,  '64  —  right  arm  amputated.  Discharged,  by 
reason  of  wounds,  at  Chicago,  111.,  March  5,  '65.  Ad 
dress  —  Republic  City,  Republican  county,  Kansas. 

Carlos  B.  Thorpe.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62  in  Co.,  F,  but  mus 
tered  in  as  of  Co.  H  ;  transferred  back  to  Co.  F,  Nov.  1, 
'62.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March  '63,  disabili 
ty.  Died  at  Perry,  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  April  3,  '85. 

Curtis  Wright.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  On  detached  service 
in  Commissary  Department,  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  from 
May  11,  '64.  Discharged  at  Knoxville,  by  reason  of  the 
close  of  the  war,  June  17,  '65.  Residence  —  Connersville, 
Fayette  county,  Indiana. 

Olof  N.  Youngquist.  Enlisted  in  Co.  F,  but  mustered  in  as  of 
Co.  H  ;  transferred  back  'to  Co.  F,  Nov.  1  '62.  Dis 
charged  in  hospital  at  Quincy,  111.,  May  5,  '65. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  VETERAN  RESERVE  CORPS. 

Darius  Demunt.  Enlisted  Aug,  12,  '62.  Transferred  at  Camp 
Nelson,  Ky.,  Aug.  30,  '63.  Discharged  at  Madison, 
Wisconsin,  July  5,  '65.  Address—Toulon,  Stark  coun 
ty,  111. 

George  Ely.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Transferred  Sept,  11,  '63. 
Discharged  at  Madison,  WTis.,  July  5,  '65.  Address  — 
Webster  City,  Hamilton  county.  Iowa. 

Havilah  B.  Johnson.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Transferred 
April  30?  '64.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  17, 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  P.  853 

'65.     Died  at  Peoria,  111.,  Oct.  26,  '81 ;  buried  at  Toulon. 
Jesse  Likens.     Transferred  Sept.  11,  '63.  Discharged  at  Camp 

Nelson,  Ky.,  Nov.  17,  '64.     Address — Kolla,  Phelps  Co., 

Missouri. 
George   Rockwell.     Enlisted  Aug.   20,    '62.     Absent   sick   at 

Knoxville,    Tenn.,    since   May  7,    '64,  and  transferred. 

Discharged  at  Knoxville,  July  12,  '65.     Killed  in  Neb., 

since  the  war. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Captain  William  W.  Wright.  Enrolled  Aug.  13,  '62,  and 
elected  First  Lieut,  of  Co.  F.  When  Capt.  Henderson 
was  elected  Colonel  of  the  regiment,  he  was  elected,  and 
mustered  in,  Sept.  20,  '62,  as  Captain.  Wounded  in  the 
battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.,  May,  14,  '64,  right  arm  amputat 
ed  at  the  shoulder — and  died  of  wounds  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  Jnne  24,  '64.  His  remains  brought  home  and 
interred  in  the  cemetery  at  Toulon.  Widow's  address — 
Mrs.  Anne  M.  Wright,  Champaign,  Illinois. 

First  Lieut.  Robert  E.  Westfall.  Enrolled  Aug.  15,  and  mus 
tered  in  Sept.  20,  '62,  as  Second  Lieut.  Promoted 
March  10,  to  rank  from  March  5,  '63.  Died  at  Somer 
set,  Ky.,  June  16,  '63 — the  first  death  of  a  commission- 
oil  officer  in  the  regiment.  His  remains  brought  home 
and  interred  in  the  cemetery  at  Wyoming. 

Sergt.  William  P.  Finley.  Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville. 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Left  on  the  field  and  buried  by 
the  enemy.  Among  the  "unknown"  in  the  National 
Cemetery  at  Knoxville.  See  note  c. 

Sergeant  John  H.  Lane.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  and  mustered  in  as 
Corporal  Oct.  7,  '62 — sick  when  company  mustered  in. 
Promoted  Aug.  5,  '(53.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Remains  removed  and 
interred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga, 
No.  of  Grave  5.317,  in  Section  F. 

Sergeant  Andrew  G.  Pike.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  April  1,  '64.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Remains  removed  and 
i  i  erred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga. 
No.  of  Grave  5,318,  in  Section  F. 

Corporal  William  C.  Bell.  Enlisted  Aug.  11, '62.  Killed  in 
jiction  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Buried  in  the 
National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville.  No.  of  Grave  450. 

Corporal  Robert  M.  Dewey.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Muster 
ed  in  as  private  ;  promoted  Jan'y  1,  '64.  Killed  in  ac- 
—24 


354  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

tion  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Be- 
mains  removed  and  interred  in  the  National  Cemetery 
at  Marietta,  Ga.  No.  of  Grave  5,304,  in  Section  F. 

PRIVATES. 

John  L.  Adams.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Died  of  typhoid  fev 
er,  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec.  17,  '62.  Bemaiiis  sent  home 
and  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Toulon. 

Elmore  Barnhill.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
Nov.  18,  '63 — right  arm  amputated  ;  died  of  wound,  at 
Knoxville,  Jaii'y  2, '64.  Buried  in  the  Xa'ional  Ceme 
tery  at  Knoxville.  No.  of  Grave  354. 

William  M.  Creigliton.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Died  of  heart 
disease  at  Lexington.  Ky.,  Feb'y  14.  '63.  Buried  on 
Government  Lot  in  the  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of 
Grave  277.  See  note  d. 

John  W.  Curfman.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Mortally  wound 
ed  and  left  on  the  field  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64. 
Died  of  wounds  in  rebel  hospital  at  Franklin  Dec.  10, 
'64.  No  record  of  burial.  See  note  b. 

James  Essex.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
18,  '63.  Mortally  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Died  in  Field  Hospital 
Aug*  7,  '64.  Bemains  removed  and  interred  in  National 
Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.  No.  of  Grave  5,306,  Sec.  F. 

William  T.  Essex.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Kesaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Died  of  wounds  at 
Springfield,  111.,  Sept.  18,  '64.  Buried  in  the  cemetery 
at  Camp  Butler.  No.  of  Grave  534. 

Glaus  Forss.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62  Mortally  wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  left  on  the 
field.  Died  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy  Nov.  19,  '63. 
No  record  of  burial — among  the  "unknown"  in  the  Na 
tional  Cemetery  at  Knoxville. 

Henry  C.  Hall.  Becruit.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Feb'y  1, 
'64,  for  three  years.  Wounded  in  action  at  Besaca,  Ga., 
May  14,  '64.  Died  of  wounds  in  hospital  at  Chattanoo 
ga,  Tenn.,  May  24,  '64.*  Buried  in  the  National  Ceme 
tery  at  Chattanooga.  No.  of  Grave  12,294,  in  Section!). 

Joseph  Hoppock.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Captured  in  action 
at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63.  Died  in  reb 
el  prison  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  July  15,  '64.  No.  of 
Grave  3,255. 

John  Kendall.     Enlisted  Aug.   13,    '62.     Killed  in   action  at 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  F.  355 

Knoxville,  Term.,  Nov.  18,  S63.  Left  on  the  field  and 
buried  by  the  enemy.  Remains  recovered  and  interred 
in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville,  as  "John  Kim- 
ball"  of  Co.  E,  112th  111.  ^  No.  of  Grave  442. 

Omer  Leek.  Recruit.  Enlisted  Feb'y  14,  '63.  No  record  of 
muster-in.  Never  joined  company.  Was  ordered  on 
duty  at  Lexington,  by  Provost  Marshal,  arid  died  there, 
of  measles,  April  2,  '63.  Buried  on  Government  Lot  in 
Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave,  311. 

George  Miller.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Died  of  typhoid 
fever  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Nov.  26,  '62.  Buried  on  Gov 
ernment  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave  120. 

Jeremiah  D.  Madden.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Died  at  Knox 
ville,  Teim.,  March  4,  '64.  Buried  in  National  Ceme 
tery  at  Knoxville.  No.  of  Grave  941. 

Isaac  Messenger.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Wounded  in  action 
at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Died  of 
wounds  at  Marietta,  Ga.,  Sept.  2,  '64.  Buried  in  the 
National  Cemetery  at  Marietta.  No.  of  Grave,  8,016, 
in  Section  G. 

John  F.  Negus.  Died  in  hospital  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Oct. 
17,  '62.  The  first  death  in  the  regiment.  No  record  of 
place  of  burial. 

George  W.  Oziah.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March  14, 
'63.  Buried  on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Ceme 
tery.  No.  of  Grave,  231. 

George  AV.  Rhodes.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Captured  near 
Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb'y  23,  '63.  Paroled  Feb'y  24,  and 
sent  to  Parole  Camp  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.  Exchanged 
Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E. 
Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Remains  removed  and 
interred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.. 
No.  of  Grave,  5,305,  in  Section  F. 

Aaron  Ridle.  Enlisted  in  Co.  F  ;  mustered  in  as  of  Co.  II. 
Transferred  back  to  Co.  F,  Nov.  1,  '62.  Severely  wound 
ed  and  missing  in  action  at  Knoxville.  Term.,  Nov.  18, 
'63.  Died  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  No  record  of 
date  or  place  of  death. 

Thomas  T.  White.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Drowned  cross 
ing  Clinch  River,  on  the  Saunders  Raid  in  E.  Term., 
June  18,  '63. 

John  W.  Whitten.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Mortally  wound 
ed  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  7,  and  died  in  Field  Hospital 
Aug.  9,  '64.  Remains  removed  and  interred  in  National 


356  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.     No.  of  Grave  9,852,  Sec.  J. 

DESERTED 

Daniel  Haselton.  Enlisted  Aug.  21,  '62.  Went  to  New  Jer 
sey — his  native  State — from  Milledgeville,  Ky.  April  19, 
'63,  on  a  thirty  days  furlough,  and  never  returned. 

Milton  Stephens.  Deserted  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  with  his 
arms  and  accoutrements,  at  Besaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64. 


PRIVATES— 

Recruits,  transferred  to  Co.  F,  65th  111.  Yols.  (consolidated), 
June  20,  '65  ;  mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  July  13,  '65  : 
Joseph  H.  Burwick.  Enlisted  Nov.  17,  mustered  in  Nov.  27, 

'63,  for  three  years. 
Zachariah  T.  Brown.     Enlisted  arid  mustered  in  Jan.  17,  '65, 

for  one  year.     Address — Peoria,  111. 
Luther  Graham.     Enlisted  Nov.  21,  mustered  in  Nov.  27,  '63, 

for  thie^  years. 
William  J.  Hamilton.     Enlisted  Feb.  10,  mustered  in  June  6, 

'63,  for  three  years.     Absent  sick  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Discharged  at  Mower  U.  S.  Hospital   July  1,  '65.     Ad 
dress — LaFayette,  Stark  county,  ill. 
Martin  Hickman.     Enlisted  April  1,   mustered  in  June  6,  '63, 

for  three  years. 
Jacob  W.  MoDaniel.     Enlisted  March  28,  mustered  in  April 

28,    '64,  for  three  years.     Address- — Wyoming,    Stark 

county,  111. 
Thomas  Patterson.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec.  2,  '63,  for 

three  years. 
George  W.  Pate.     Enlisted   and   mustere;!  in  Dec.  4,  '63,  for 

three  years.     Address — McCook,  Bed  Willow   Co.,  Neb. 
Elisha  E.  Taylor.     Enlisted   and  mustered  in  March  23,  '64, 

for  thiee   years.     Injured  in   side,    unloading   rations 

from  railroad  car,   at   Greensboro,  N.  C.,  Juno  18,  '65. 

Address — Camden,  Lyons  county,  Minnesota. 

RECAPITULATION . 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company  42 

Absent,  3 

Previously  Discharged,  22 
Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps, 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  27 

Deserted,  2 

Kecruits  transferred  to  the  65th  111.,  9 

Total,  110 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  D.  857 

NOTE — Patrick  Flynn  and  John  H.  Haskins  enlisted  in  this 
company,  in  Kentucky,  March  1,  !63,  and  were  mustered  in 
for  three  years.  It  was  afterwards  learned  that  they  properly 
belonged  to  the  21st  Ohio  Artillery;  and  by  order  of  Major 
Gen.  Schofield,  commanding  the  department,  they  were  trans 
ferred  to  that  organization. 


COMPANY  D. 

Enrolled  at  Cambridge,  Henry  county,  Illinois,  August,   1862. 

Organized  August  9,  1802. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  August  9,  1862. 

Mustered  into  the  United  States   service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,   June  20,  1865  : 

Captain  Augustus  A.  Dunn.  Enrolled  July  8,  and  mustered 
in  as  Captain  Sept.  20,  '62.  Commanded  a  detachment 
of  200  men  of  the  112th  on  the  Saunders  Raid  into  E. 
Tennessee,  in  June,  '68,  and  frequently  commanded  oth 
er  detachments  on  long  and  dangerous  expeditions. 
Commanded  the  regiment  temporarily  at  many  differ 
ent  times,  and  was  often  acting  Field  Officer  of  the  re 
giment.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
18,  '63,  while  assisting  Major  Dow  in  the  command  of 
the  regiment.  Again  wounded,  severely,  in  action  at 
Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River,  m  E.  Tenn., 
Jan'y  28,  '64,  and  absent  by  reason  of  wounds,  until 
May,  '64.  Slightly  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Resaca, 
Ga..  May  14,  '64.  Severely  wounded  in  the  head,  by  a 
shell  at  the  battle  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64,  and 
absent  by  reason  of  wounds  until  March,  '05,  when  he 
rejoined  the  regiment  at  Wilmington,  N.  C.  Died  of  the 
wound  received  at  Franklin,  at  Chicago,  Ills.,  March  3, 
;69.  Widow's  address— Mrs.  Ellen  M.  Dunn,  521  Wash 
ington  Ave.,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

First  Lieut.  Henry  G.  Griffin.  Enrolled  Aug.  11,  mustered  in 
as  First  Lieut.,  Sept.  20,  '62.  In  command  of  the  com 
pany  in  defense  of  Knoxville,  until  captured,  Nov.  18,  '63 
in  an  effort  to  support  the  45th  Ohio.  Taken  to  Atlan 
ta,  Ga.,  thence,  via  Augusta,  to  Richmond,  and  incar 
cerated  in  Libby  Prison  Dec.  1,  '63.  Remained  in  Lib- 
by  until  May  7,  '64,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Macon, 
Ga.,  and  thence,  in  the  following  August,  to  Charleston, 
S.  C.,  and  from  there  to  Columbia.  Sent  to  Charlotte, 


358  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

N.  C.,  Feb.  17,  '65,  and  from  there  to  Raleigh,  and  thence 
to  Goldsboro.  Paroled  in  March,  '65,  and  sent  to  Wil 
mington,  where  he  met  the  regiment.  He  was  then  or 
dered  to  Annapolis,  Md.,  where  he  was  exchanged  April 
26,  '65,  and  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Greensboro,  N.  C., 
in  May.  Address — Cambridge.  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

Second  Lieut.  James  H.  Clark.  Enlisted  July  12,  '62,  and 
mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Promoted  Aug.  14,  to  rank 
from  June  17,  '63.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Address — Excel 
sior,  Hennepin  county,  Minnesota. 

First  Sergeant  Andrew  B.  Laiferty.  Enlisted  July  16,  '62. 
Mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Promoted  June  1,  '65.  Act 
ing  Sergeant  Major  of  the  regiment  from  Sept.  12,  '64 
to  the  spring  of  '65.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  And  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Residence — Cambridge,  Henry  coun 
ty,  Illinois. 

Sergeant  David  H."  Pay  ton.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  May  2,  '63.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Kel 
ly's  Ford  on  the  French  Broad  River,  in  E.  Tenn.,  Jan. 
28,  '64.  Address — Clarinda,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

Sergeant  William  W.  Hinman.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal. 
Promoted  Aug.  14,  '63.  Address — Cambridge,  Henry 
county,  111. 

Sergeant  John  S.  Farnham.  Enlisted  Aug.  10,  '62.  Muster 
ed  in  as  Corporal.  Promoted  Aug.  14,  '63.  Severely 
injured — thrown  from  bridge  with  box  of  "hard  tack" 
on  his  shoulder — at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Ad 
dress—Atkinson,  Henry  county.  111. 

Sergeant  Leander  Woodruff.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  June  1,  '65.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky., 
Feb.  23,  '63  ;  paroled  the  next  day  ;  exchanged  Sept.  10, 
and  rejoined  the  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn., 
Dec.  14,  '63.  Address — Cambridge,  Henry  county.  111, 

Corporal  Stephen  B.  Otis.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promot 
ed  March  1,  '63.  Wounded  and  captured  near  Lexing 
ton,  Ky.,  Feb.  23,  and  paroled  next  day ;  exchanged 
Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  the  company  at  Bean's  Station, 
E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63. 

Corporal  James  Stitt.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
Aug.  14,  '63.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Severely  wounded  in  action  near 
Fort  Anderson,  on  the  Cape  Fear  River,  N.  C.,  Feb.  18, 
'65.  Address— Woodhull,  Henry  county,  111. 


KOSTER  OF  COMPANY  D.  359 

Corporal  Franklin  Buckley.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Muster 
ed  in  as  Private.  Promoted  June  2,  '64.  Captured  near 
Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  28,  '63;  paroled  next  day;  ex 
changed  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  the  company  at  .Bean's 
Station,  E.  Term.,  Dec.  14,  '63.  Severely  wounded  in 
action  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  Ptiver,  in 
E.  Tenn.,  Jan.  28,  '64,  and  left  in  the  hands  of  the  ene 
my.  Recovered  and  escaped  March  10,  '64,  and  rejoin 
ed  the  company,  Reported  that  he  is  now  dead. 

Corporal  Allen  Stackhouse.  Enlisted  Aug.  7,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Private.  Promoted  June  2,  '64.  Address — Tilton, 
Poweshiek  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  David  E.  Ridenour.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  June  1,  '65.  Address — -Yorktown,  Page  county,  la. 

Corpora  1  Charles  H.  W.  Payne.  Mustered  in  as  Private. 
Promoted  June  1,  '65.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  17,  '63.  Address— Adel,  Dallas  county,  la. 

Corporal  Andrew  M.  Gustafson.  Mustered  in  as  Private. 
Promoted  Jun.3  1,  '65.  Wounded  in  action  .at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  (la.,  Aug.  6,  64.  Married  at  the 
regimental  reunion  at  Cambridge,  Aug.  18,  '81,  to  Miss 
Clara  E.  Morris.  Died  in  Lynn,  Henrv  county,  Ills,  in 
1882. 

Musician  Asa  L.  Hay  den.  Appointed  Drum  Major  of  the  re 
giment  Oct.  3,  '62,  and  served  as  such  until  organization 
of  band.  Member  of  band  until  mustered  out.  Address 
— Blairstown,  Benton  county,  Iowa. 

Wagoner  Joseph  Hardy.  Teamster  during  his  whole  term  of 
service.  Died  at  Woodhull,  Henry  county,  111.,  Jan.  4,  '82 

PRIVATES. 

Jabez  Bath.  Inj  ired  by  concussion  caused  by  exploding  shell 
at  Town  C:eek,  near  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  Feb.  20, '65. 
Address — 79  Washington  Avenue,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y7. 

Alexander  Beath.  Enlisted  July  18,  '62.  Severely  wounded 
in  action  and  left  on  the  field,  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy 
at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Exchanged  Nov.  29, 
'63,  after  the  assault  on  Fort  Saunders.  Recovered  and 
rejoined  the  company.  Address — Thayer,  Union  coun 
ty  Iowa. 

Francis  M.  Beightel.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Clerk  a  consid 
erable  time  at  brigade,  division  and  corps  headquarters. 
Address — James'  Crossing,  Jackson  county,  Kansas. 

Adam  Body.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Severely  wounded  at 
Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River,  in  E.  Tenn., 


360  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

Jan.  28,  '64.        Address — Shedahl,  Story  county,  Iowa. 

Edwin  W.  Brown.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  23, 
'63;  paroled  next  day;  exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoin 
ed  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63. 
Address — Clyde,  Cloud  county,  Kansas. 

James  B.  Brown.  Died  in  Burns  Tp.,  Henry  county,  111., 
-Oct.  28,  '85. 

George  A.  Chatneld.    Reported  that  he  is  now  dead. 

Peter  W.  Cline.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Accidentally  wound 
ed — thumb  and  first  finger  of  left  hand  cut  off  with  ax 
—at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec.,  '62.  Died  at  Cambridge, 
Henry  county,  111.,  since  the  war. 

Eobert  M.  Creighton. 

George  M.  Dunkle.  Wounded  in  action  at  Besaca,  Ga.,  May 
14,  '64.  Address — Palmyra,  Otoe  county,  Nebraska. 

Charles  II .  Eaton. 

George  H.  Ferris.  Wounded  on  the  skirmish  line,  on  Pine 
Mt.,  Ga.,  June  13,  '64.  Address — Norwich,  Page  county 
Iowa. 

Carlton  M.  Fast.     Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62. 

John  D.  Flansburg.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Eesaca,  Ga.,  May,  14,  '64.  Address — Ulah, 
Henry  county,  111. 

Lewis  W.  Jacks.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Wounded  in  action 
at  Eesaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64. 

Charles  D.  Knapp.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Severely  wounded 
in  action  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River, 
E.  Tenn.,  Jan.  2*8,  '64,  and  left  in  the  hands  of  the  ene 
my.  Escaped  and  floated  down  the  river  in  a  canoe, 
to  Knoxville,  and  rejoined  the  company  May  22,  '64. 
Residence — Greenfield,  Adair  county,  Iowa. 

Thomas  N.  Lowry.     Died   at   Woodhull,   Henry  county,  111., 

John  A.  Lyons.     Address — Orr,  Grand  Forks  Co.,  Dakota  T. 

Hiram  Newton.  W^ounded  in  action  near  New  Hope  Church, 
Ga.,  Jnrie  2,  '64. 

Edward  O'Brien.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Captured  near  Win 
chester,  Ky.,  Feb.  23,  '63;  paroled  next  day;  ex 
changed  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  the  company  at  Bean's 
Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63.  Again  captured  at  Kel 
ly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Jan. 
29,  '64.  Escaped  Dec.  27,  '64,  and  joined  Sherman's 
army  at  Savannah,  and  marched  with  his  army  to 
Goldsboro,  N.  C.,  where  he  rejoined  the  company.  Ad 
dress — Marston,  Mercer  county,  Illinois. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  D.  361 

James  Patten.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Wounded  by  rebel 
"bushwhackers,"  near  Ball's  Gap,  Tenn.,  in  June, '63, 
while  on  the  Saunders  Raid.  Address — Cambridge, 
Henry  county,  111. 

Stephen  Koberts.  Captured  in  Powell's  Valley,  Tenn.,  June 
22,  '63,  while  on  the  Saunders  Raid.  Paroled  July  11 ; 
exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  the  company  at  Bean's 
Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63.  Address — Cromwell, 
Union  county,  Iowa. 

Homer  T.  Schofield.     Address — Greenfield,  Adair  county,  la. 

Gamaliel  B.  Scott.  Not  absent  from  the  company  an  hour 
during  his  whole  term  of  service. 

James  Walton.     Address — Clarinda,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

Jeruel  B.  Whitney.  Captured  near  Rogers'  Gap,  Tenn.,  June 
22.  '63,  on  the  Saunders  Raid.  Paroled  July  11 ;  ex 
changed  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  company  at  Bean's 
Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63.  Address — Kewanee, 
Henry  county,  111. 

John  A.  Widney.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Reduced  at  his 
own  request.  Detailed  as  musician,  and  member  of 
,  regimental  band  from  its  organization  until  mustered 
out.  Residence — Woodhull,  Henry  county,  111. 

Eben  G.  Woodward.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Knox- 
ville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  left  on  the  field  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  Exchanged  Nov.  29,  '63,  after  the 
assault  on  Fort  Saunders.  Recovered  and  rejoined 
company.  Address— Stuart,  Guthrie  county,  Iowa. 

Private  H.  Page  Wycoff.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Detailed  as 
brigade  teamster.  Address— Curlew,  Palo  Alto  Co.,  la. 

ABSENT. 

Whitfield  D.  Matthews.     Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.     Absent  sick. 

Discharged   at  York,    Pa.,    July   11,  '65.     Residence — 

Elm  wood,  "Peoria  county,  111. 
Henry  S.  Schofield.    Absent  on  detached  service. 

PREVIOUSLY   DISCHARGED. 

Second  Lieut.  Samuel  L.  Patterson.  Enrolled  Aug.  11,  '62, 
and  mustered  in  as  Second  Lieut.  Resigned  at  Somer 
set,  Ky.,  June  17,  '63. 

First  Serg.  Gilbert  R.  Woolsey.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  to  Corporal  Oct.  31,  '62, 
and  to  First  Serg.  March  16,  '64.  Discharged  May  9, 
—25 


362  HISTOBY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

'65,  for  promotion  to  First  Lieut,   and  Adjutant.     Bee 
Field  and  Staff. 

Corporal  Oswin  Cahow.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Captured 
nea  ^Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  23,  '68.  Paroled  next  day; 
exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  company  at  Bean's 
Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63.  Discharged  at  New- 
bern,  N.  C.,  May  13,  '65.  Address — Menlo,  Guthrie 
county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  James  M.  Baird.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promot 
ed  June  2,  1864.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Knox- 
ville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Address — Stuart,  Holt  coun 
ty,  Nebraska. 

PRIVATES. 

Ezra  Adkins.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Wounded  in  action  at 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63 — right  arm  amputated. 
Discharged  at  Quincy,  111.,  April  20,  '64.  Address — 
Newton,  Jasper  county,  Iowa. 

James  A.  Chase.  Captured  near  Lexington,  Ky.,Feb.  23,  '63. 
Paroled  next  day ;  exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined 
company  at  Bean's  Station,  East  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63. 
Wounded  in  action  near  Fort  Anderson,  N.  C.,  Feb.  17, 
'65.  Discharged  by  reason  of  wounds,  June  14,  '65. 
Address — Marshalltown,  Marshall  county,  Iowa. 

William  H.  Hale.  Accidentally  wounded  on  picket  at  Lexing 
ton,  Ky.,  Nov,  '62.  Discharged  by  reason  of  wounds, 
at  Lexington,  Dec.  18,  '62. 

Joseph  A.  Laird.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Transferred  to  V, 
E.  C ;  and  returned  to  company  Sept.  10,  '64.  Discharg 
ed  June  9,  '65 — disability.  Address — North  Henderson, 
Mercer  county,  111. 

David  E.  Mallory.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Severely  wounded 
in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Discharged 
by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Chicago,  111.,  Aug.  2,  '64.  Ad 
dress — Baker,  Brown  county,  Kansas. 

Lemuel  F.  Matthews.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Severely 
wounded  in  action  at  liesaca,  Gra.,  May  14,  '64.  Dis 
charged  by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Camp  Butler,  Spring 
field,  111.,  Aug.  26,  '64.  Address — Elmwood,  Peoria 
county,  111. 

Harvey  0.  Sleighter.  Discharged  Oct.  13,  '64 — disability. 
Address — Jewell  City,  Jewell  county,  Kansas. 

Holmes  N.  Tillson.  Captured  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
Nov.  18,  '63.  Exchanged  Dec.  11,  '64.  Discharged  at 
Annapolis,  Md.,  June  6,  '65.  Address — Sabetha,  Nema- 
ha  county,  Kansas. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  D.  368 

Edward  Woolever.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Franklin, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Discharged  by  reason  of  wounds, 
at  Quincy,  111..  May,  10,  '05.  Address— Atkinson,  Hen 
ry  county,  111. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Musician  Robert  Ferman.  Appointed  Principal  Musician 
Oct.  3,  '02.  See  Non-commissioned  Staif. 

Private  Albert  Walton.  Promoted  to  Q.  M.  Sergeant  Sept. 
12,  '64.  See  Non-commissioned  Staif. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  VETERAN  RESERVE  CORPS. 

Sergeant  Sanford  L.  Ives.  Enlisted  July  16,  '62.  Accident 
ally  wounded  in  left  hand,  on  picket  at  Stanford,  Ky., 
June,  '63.  Transferred  Jan.  1,  '64.  Discharged  at 
Rock  Island  Barracks,  on  Surgeon's  Certificate  of  Dis 
ability,  Nov.  1,  '04.  Address— Mound  City,  Linn  Co., 
Kansas. 


PRIVATES. 

0.  S.  Bryant.     Absent  sick  at  Cincinnati,  0. 

William  Eastman.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  23, 
'03.  Paroled  next  day,  exchanged  Sept.  10,  '03.  Ad 
dress — (last  known)  Chicago,  111. 

William  0.  Gamble.  Transferred  Jan.  22,  '04,  by  General  Or 
der  No.  27.  Promoted  to  Sergeant  in  V.  R.  C.  Oct.  1, 
'64.  Discharged  at  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  July  24,  '65.  Ad 
dress — Wayne,  Wayne  county.  Nebraska. 

Martin  R.  Lowry.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '03.  Transferred  by  reason  of  wounds. 
Address — Bedford,  Taylor  county,  Iowa. 

Henry  Miller.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Injured  by  his  horse 
falling  through  a  bridge  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.  Transferr 
ed  May  15,  '05.  Discharged  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  June 
17,  '05. 

Jeremiah  G.  McEown.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '02.  On  duty  at 
Lexington,  Ky.  Transferred  March  13, '65.  Address — 
Aylmer,  Ontario,  Canada. 

Jesse  B.  Roberts.     Died  in  Linn  county,  Kansas,  Dec.  4,  '80. 

John  T.  Simpkinson.  Detailed  as  nurse  at  Mt.  Vernon,  Ky.*, 
June  14,  '03. 

Levi  Smith.  Transferred  May  1,  '04,  on  account  of  rheuma 
tism  contracted  during  the  siege  of  Knoxville.  Dis 
charged  at  'Burlington,  Vermont,  July,  10,  '05.  Ad 
dress — Grant  City,  Worth  county,  Missouri. 


364  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Joseph  Weaver.  Wounded  in  action  at  Besaca,  Ga.,  May  14, 
'64.  Transferred  by  reason  of  wounds. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

First  Sergeant  Amos  C.  Holden.  Drowned  in  crossing  Clinch 
Elver,  on  the  Saunders  Baid  in  E.  Tenn.,  June  18,  '63. 
His  commission  as  Second  Lieut,  bearing  date  June  17, 
'63,  received  at  regimental  headquarters  a  few  days  af 
ter  his  death. 

First  Serg.  John  T.  Smith.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Pro 
moted  Aug.  14,  '63.  Died  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  of  chron 
ic  diarrhea,  Jan.  23,  '64.  No  record  of  burial.  Prob 
ably  among  the  "unknown"  in  the  National  Cemetery 
at  Knoxville. 

Corporal  Edwin  F.  Hunt.  Drowned  in  crossing  Clinch  Eiver, 
on  the  Saunders  Eaid  in  E.  Tenn.,  June  18,  '63. 

Corporal  Henry  Carl.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Mustered  in  as 
Private  and  promoted.  Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  left  on  the  field.  No  record  of 
burial.  See  note  c. 

Corporal  Cyrus  S.  Foot.  Mustered  in  as  Private  and  promot 
ed.  Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63, 
and  left  on  tie  field.  No  record  of  burial. 

PEIVATES. 

Watson  L.  Andrew.  Killed  in  action  at  Eesaca,  Ga.,  May  14, 
'64.  Eemains  removed  and  interred  in  the  National 
Cemetery  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn.  No.  of  Grave  9,274, 
in  Section  L. 

Benjamin  Brown.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Killed  in  action  at 
Kelly's  Ford  on  the  French  Broad  Eiver,  E.  Tenn., 
Jan.  28,  '64.  No  record  of  place  of  burial. 

Vachel  W.  Brown.  Died  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  of  chronic  di 
arrhea,  Aug.  14,  '64.  Buried  in  the  National  Cemetery 
at  Knoxville.  No.  of  Grave  1,146. 

Andrew  Body.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Died  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  of  typhoid  fever,  March  22,  '63.  •  Eemains  sent 
home  April  8,  '63. 

Eeuben  Cahow.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Killed  in  action  at 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  leit  on  the  field.  No 
record  of  burial. 

Martin  V.  Cole.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Mortally  wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Died  of  wounds 
Nov.  29,  '63.  Eemains  interred  in  the  National  Cem 
etery  at  Knoxville,  March  2,  '64.  No.  of  Grave,  825 

William  H,  Collier.    Killed  in  action  at  Eesaca,  Ga.,  May  14, 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  D.  365 

'64.  Remains  removed  and  interred  in  the  National 
Cemetery  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn.  No.  of  Grave,  9,288, 
in  Section  L. 

William  W.  Co\vden.  Captured  on  the  Saunders  Raid  in  E. 
Tenn.,  in  June,  1863.  Paroled  July  11 ;  exchanged 
Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  the  company  at  Bean's  Station, 
E.  Term.,  Dec.  14,  '64.  Killed  in  action  at  Resaca,  G-a., 
May  14,  '64.  No  record  of  burial.  Remains  not  found 
or  among  the  "unknown"  in  the  National  Cemetery  at 
Chattanooga.  See  note  a. 

Joel  Fry.  Died  at  Somerset,  Ky.,  of  typhoid  fever,  June  6, 
'63.  No  record  of  place  of  burial. 

Patrick  Griffin.  Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18, 
'63,  and  left  on  the  held.  No  record  of  burial. 

Thomas  H.  Kibly.  Drowned  in  crossing  Clinch  River,  on  the 
Saunders  Raid  in  E.  Tenn.,  June  18,  '63. 

Paul  G.  Kibly.  Mortally  wounded  in  action  at  Kelly's  Ford, 
on  the  French  Broad  River,  in  E.  Tenn.  Jan.  28,  '64, 
and  left  in  care  of  citizens  near  the  field  of  action.  Cap 
tured  by  the  enemy,  but  permitted  to  remain  with  the 
family  taking  care  of  him.  Died  of  wounds,  at  same 
place,  March  11,  '64.  No  record  of  burial. 

James  Lindsay.  Detailed  as  Quartermaster's  Clerk.  Cap 
tured  at  Cassville,  Ga.,  May  24,  '64.  Shot  by  a  rebel 
guard,  while  a  prisoner  of  war,  at  Florence,  S.  C.,  in 
Jan.,  '65— a  willful  and  malicious  murder.  No  record 
of  burial.  See  note  e. 

Peter  H.  Lohnns.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  At 
lanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Remains  removed  and  interred 
in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.  No.  of 
Grave  5,303,  in  Section  F. 

Stephen  A.  Lowry.  Recruit ;  enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec. 
24,  '63,  for  three  years.  Died  of  typhoid  fever,  at  Mt. 
Sterling,  Ky.,  March  15,  '64.  No  record  of  burial. 

John  W.  Mahon.  Died  of  typhoid  fever,  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
March  29,  '63.  Buried  on  Government  Lot  in  Lexing 
ton  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave  381.  See  note  d. 

William  A.  A.  Martin.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Killed  in  ac 
tion  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  left  on  the 
field.  No  record  of  burial. 

Thomas  L.  Matthews.  Injured  on  head  by  fall— caused  ery 
sipelas — and  died  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Dec.  25,  '63.  No 
record  of  burial. 

Joseph  E.  Patterson.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Captured  near 
Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  23,  '63.  Paroled  the  next  day, 


366  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  sent  to  Parole  Camp,  at  Benton  Barracks,  St.  Lou 
is,  Mo.,  where  lie  died  July  2,  '68.  No  record  of  grave. 

Theodore  M.  Penny.  Enlisted  Aug.  11.  '6'2.  Killed  in  action 
at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  left  on  the  field. 
No  record  of  burial. 

Jonas  8.  Rogers.  Mortally  wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  17,  '63.  JJiecl  of  wounds  next  day.  No 
record  of  burial. 

Tiras  Starnes.  Enlisted  Aug,  7,  '62.  Killed  in  action  near 
Philadelphia,  E.  Tenn.,  Oct.  26,  '63.  No  record  of  burial. 

Chorodon  E.  Wheeler.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Died  of  typhoid 
fever,  at  Lexington,  Ivy.,  Nov.  10,  '62.  Buried  on  Gov 
ernment  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave  112. 

PRIVATES — 

Recruits,  transferred  to  Co.  F,  65th  111.  Yols.  (consolidated), 
June  20,  '65  ;  mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  July  13,  '65 : 
Kimball  A  very.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec.  24,  '63,  for 

three  years. 
Ancil  W.  Chase.     Enlisted  Feb.  9,  mustered  in  Feb.  10,  '65, 

for  one  year. 
David  L.  Cowden.     Enlisted  Feb.  9,  mustered  in  Feb.  10,  '65, 

for  one  year.     Address — Hawley,  Henry  county,  111. 
Abram  C.  Frick.     Enlisted  Feb.  9,  mustered  in  Feb.  10,  '65, 

for  one  year. 
Martin  Hammond.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  5,  '64,  for 

three  years. 
Walter  N.  Jones.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  31,  '64,  for 

three   years.     Absent   at  muster  out  of  65th  111.     Dis 
charged  at  Springfield,  111.,  Oct.  2,  '65. 
George  Knapp.     Slightly  wounded   in   action   at  Utoy  Creek, 

near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.     Reported  "absent  sick" 

upon  muster-out  of  65th  111. 
Nehemiah  Kmpple.     Enlisted  Feb'y  9,  mustered  in  Feb'y  10, 

'65,  for  one  year.     Residence — Buda,  Bureau  Co.,  111. 
Albertis  Malcolm.     Enlisted  and  musterd  in  Feb'y  18,  '64,  for 

three  years.     Address— Tilton,  Poweshiek  county,  Iowa. 
Peter  M.  Moodle.     Enlisted   and  mustered  in  Jan.  5,  '64,  for 

three  years.     Appointed  Sergeant  of  Co.  F,  65th  111. 
Bailey  C.  Ogden.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  9,  '64,  for 

three  years.     Address — Lyons,  Rice  county,  Kansas. 
Francis  E.  Ogden.     Enlisted  Feb.  9,  mustered  in  Feb.  10,  '65, 

for  one  year, 
(jeorge  H.  Palmer.    Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  22,  '64, 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  I.  367 

for  three  years.     Address — Cambridge,   Henry  Co.,  111. 

Charles  E.  Palmer.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  22,  '64, 
for  three  years.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster  out 
of  65th  111.  Address — Oilman,  Marshall  county,  Iowa. 

Jacob  W.  Pay  ton.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec.  24,  '63,  for 
three  years.  Wounded  in  action  near  New  Hope  Church, 
Ga.,  June  2,  '64.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster 
out  of  65th  111.  Address — Clarinda,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

Henry  Stackhouse.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  25,  '64,  for 
three  years.  Address — Villisca,  Montgomery  Co.,  Iowa. 

Luther  Streight.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Feb.  17,  '64,  for 
three  years.  Appointed  Corporal  of  Co.  F,  65th  Ills. 
Residence — Kansas  City,  Missouri. 

L.  Wellington  Talbot.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Feb.  17,  '64, 
for  three  years.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster  out 
of  65th  111.  Address — Cambridge,  Henry  county,  111. 

Stephen  Talbot.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  April  10,  '64,  for 
three  years.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster  out  of 
65th  1)1.  Address — Cambridge.  Henry  county,  111. 

Jesse  P.  Wing.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Nov.  27,  '63,  for 
three  years.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Address— Newton,  Jasper 
county,  Iowa. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company  46 

Absent,  2 

Previously  Discharged,  13 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  11 

Transferred  to  Non-commissioned  Staff,  2 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  28 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  (i5tli  111.,  20 


Total,  122 


COMPANY  I. 

Enrolled  at  Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111.,  in  August,  1862. 

Organized  August  11,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  Aug.  11,  1862. 
Mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
[This  company  was  not  actually  mustered  in  until  Sept.  22^ 


3G8  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

but  the  rolls  were  dated  Sept.  20,  and  the  company  was  mus 
tered  as  of  that  date]. 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  June  20,  1865 : 

Captain  James  E.  Wilkins.  Enrolled  July  14,  mustered  in 
Sept.  20,  '62,  as  Captain.  Captured  atRiceville,  Tenn., 
Sept.  26,  '68.  Escaped  from  Lihby  Prison — tunnelled 
out — in  the  night  of  Feb.  9,  '64,  but  recaptured  in  the 
Chickahominy  swamps,  six  days  after,  and  confined  in 
the  Libby  dungeon.  Escaped  from  the  cars,  in  the 
night  time,  en  route  from  Richmond,  Va.,  to  Macon,  Ga., 
in  May,  '64,  and  entered  the  Union  lines  at  Dalton,  Ga., 
June  5,  '64.  Rejoined  the  regiment  near  Atlanta,  Ga., 
Aug.  5,  '64.  Residence,  Des  Homes,  Iowa ;  business 
address,  333  East  Fifth  St. 

First  Lieut.  George  W.  Lawrence.  Enrolled  Aug.  11,  muster 
ed  in  Sept.  20,  '62,  as  First  Lieut.  Ass't  Provost  Mar 
shal  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  a  short  time  in  '63.  Topo 
graphical  Engineer  and  Ordnance  Officer  of  brigade, 
from  Aug.  14,  '63,  to  Feb.  6,  '64.  Commanded  compa 
ny  on  Atlanta  campaign  until  Aug.  5,  '64.  Acting  Q. 
M.  of  regiment  from  Nov.  3,  '64,  to  May,  '65.  Ass't 
Provost  Marshal  of  23d  A.  C.  from  May  30  to  June  20, 
'65,  when  mustered  out.  Residence,  Geneseo,  Henry 
county,  111. 

Second  Lieut.  Harry  Fones.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Pro 
moted  to  Second  Lieut.  Sept.  14,  '64,  to  rank  from  June 
7,  '63.  Commanded  company  as  Sergeant  from  Sept. 
26,  63,  to  Feb.  6,  '64.  Hit  by  musket  ball  at  long  range 
— company  acting  as  provost  guard — in  the  action  at 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  knocked  down — ball 
struck  company  roll  book  in  his  pocket,  which  saved  his 
life.  Residence,  Lyons,  Rice  county,  Kansas. 

First  Sergeant  Albert  P.  Lanphere.  Enlisted  Aug.  6.  '62.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Corporal.  Promoted  to  Sergeant  Oct.  3,  '62 ; 
to  First  Sergeant  March  1,  '64.  Residence,  Prairie 
City,  McDonough  county,  111. 

Sergeant  John  Gustus.  Address,  Momence,  Fillmore  county, 
Nebraska. 

Sergeant  George  B.  Ramsey.  Enlisted'Aug.  8,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Private.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Returned  to  company  for 
duty  Sept.  27,  '64,  and  promoted  to  Sergeant  for  brave 
ry  and  good  conduct  on  the  field  of  battle. 

Sergeant  Thomas  J.  Welch.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  to  Corporal  Dec.  81,  '64 ;  to  Sergeant  March  1,  '65. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  I.  369 

Sergeant  Cephas  B.  Hunt.  Enlisted  Aug.  8.  '02.  Mustered 
iu  as  Private.  Promoted  to  Corporal  July  1,  '04:  to 
Sergeant  March  1,  '05.  Injured  near  Riceville,  Term., 
Sept.  '20.  '08,  by  his  horse  falling  :  carried  to  the  hospit 
al  at  Athens,  and  captured  there,  Sept.  27  :  escaped, 
and  was  concealed  in  a  private  house  hy  I'liion  citizens 
until  the  National  troops  re-occupied  the  town,  Oct.  8, 
'08.  Residence— Greenfield,  Adair  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  Charles  II.  Munson.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted — Clerk  at  Division  and  Corps  H'd  Qr's  nearly  his 
whole  term  of  service.  Residence — Brooklyn,  X.  Y. 

Corporal  Alaiison  1).  Thomas.  Enlisted  Aug.  9,  '0*2.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  Dec.  81,  '04.  Slightly 
wounded  in  action  at  Ttoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  (hi., 
Aug.  0,  '04.  Address— Advalon,  Livingston  Co.,  Mo. 

Corporal  William  Shattuck.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  March  1,  '05. 

Corporal  Joseph  M.  Welch.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  March  1,  '05.  Address — Graf  ton,  Filiinore  Co., 
Nebraska. 

Corporal  Samuel  Long.  Enlisted  .Vug.  5,  '02.  Mustered  in 
as  Private.  Promoted  March  1,  '05.  Wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  15,  '08. 

Corporal  Sanford  W.  Remington.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '02. 
Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  April  1,  '05.  Ad 
dress — Shell  Bock,  Butler  county,  Iowa. 

Musician  Milo  D.  Daily.  Enlisted  Aug.  '21),  '02.  Member  of 
Begimental  Band  from  its  organization  until  mustered 
out.  Address— Coon  Rapids,  Carroll  county,  Iowa. 

PRIVATES. 

Judson  M.  Atwood.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  '20, 
'08.  Exchanged  at  Savannah.  Ga.,  Nov.  20,  '04.  In 
hospital  40  days — home  on  furlough  80  days.  Beioined 
company  near  Kinston,  N.  C.,  March  20,  '65.  Address 
— Cambridge,  Henry*  county,  111. 

George  Bunnell.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  20,  '08. 
Exchanged  and  rejoined  company  the  next  year.  Ad 
dress — Philomath,  Bent  on  county,  Oregon. 

Rulandus  Brown.     Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Joshua  Cain.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '02.  Detailed  as  Teamster. 
Address — Jetmoxe,  Hodgeinan  county,  Kansas. 

Orric  Cole.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '02.  Slightly  wounded  in  ac- 
—20 


370  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

tion  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Ad 
dress — Boise  City,  Ada  county,  Idaho. 

Robert  Gay.  Wounded  in  action  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn., 
Dec.  15,  '63.  Address — Highmore,  Hyde  Co.,  Dakota. 

Charles  T.  Goss.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63. 
Escaped  from  Andersonyille  Prison,  after  two  unsuc 
cessful  attempts,  and  rejoined  company  near  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  July  '26,  '64.  Wounded,  slightly,  in  action  at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Residence— New 
York  City.  Address — 241  Broadway. 

John  Hamilton .  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb'y  23, 
'63,  and  paroled  next  day.  Exchanged  Sept.  10,  and 
rejoined  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14, 
1868. 

Lewis  E.  Hill.  Enlisted  Aug.  1),  '(52.  Address — Kansas  Cen 
tre,  Rice  county,  Kansas. 

Sylvester  Kimhall.     Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62. 

James  McClung.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Address — Fairmont, 
Fillmore  county,  Nebraska. 

William  D.  MoGaffee.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  The  best  for 
ager  and  cook  in  the  regiment. 

Joseph  Mitchell.  Enlisted  Aug.  9,  '62.  Promoted  to  Corpor 
al  Oct.  15,  '62.  Reduced  to  ranks  April  1,  '65.  Wound 
ed  in  action  at  Flat  Creek  Gap,  in  East  Tenn.,  Jan. 
26,  '(54. 

John  M.  Poor.  Enlisted  Aug.  12.  '62.  Address— 704  Chest 
nut  St.,  DesMoines.  Iowa. 

James  M.  Price.     Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '(52. 

Thomas  J.  Reynolds.  Wounded  in  action  near  Atlanta,  Ga., 
Aug.  10,  ,64. 

Peter  B.  Shafer.     Address — Concordia,  Cloud  county,  Kansas. 

Marvin  Welton.     Residence- -Geneseo,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

John  G.  White.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga., 
May  14,  '(54.  In  hospital  and  at  home  on  furlough,  by 
reason  of  wounds,  until  ahotyt  March  1,  '65,  when  he 
rejoined  the  company  at  Wilmington,  X.  C.,  and  was 
discharged  with  the  company.  Address — Pittsburg, 
Crawford  county,  Kansas. 

ABSENT. 

Corporal  David  Yader.  Enlisted  Aug.  6,  '62.  Captured  at 
Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Exchanged  April  1,  '65, 
on  Black  River,  near  Yicksburg.  Never  rejoined  com 
pany.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  July  1,  '65.  Dis- 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  I.  871 

charge  dated  May  80,  '65,  Address  — State  Centre, 
Marshall  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  Richard  I>.  Hoffman.  Enlisted  Aug.  H,  '62.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  Oct.  15,  '(>2.  Absent 
sick,  at  Camp  Deimison,  Ohio.  Killed  by  railroad  cars, 
near  Mendota,  III.,  June,  18S5. 

Musician  Henry  C.  Lanpberc.  Enlisted  Aug.  6.  '62.  Sent  to 
hospital  at  Nashville,  Tenn..  Jan".  5,  '64,  sick  with  ty 
phoid  fever  :  removed  to  Alexandria,  Va.,  and  thence 
to  Philadelphia,  where  he  was  discharged  July  8,  '65. 
Member  of  Regimental  Band  from  its  organization  until 
his  discharge.  Address — Palo,  York  county,  Nebraska. 

PRIVATES. 

Charles  AY.  Eastman.  Enlisted  Aug.  6,  '62.  Absent  sick,  at 
Cam])  Dennison.  Ohio.  Discharged  Sept.  22,  '65. 

Wesley  Neiswender.  Enlisted  Aug.  1,  '62.  Captured  at  Rice- 
ville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '68.  Exchanged  at  Wilmington, 
N.  C.,  March  1,  '65.  Never  rejoined  company.  Dis 
charged  at  Springfield,  111.,  Julyl,  '(Jo.  Discharge  dat 
ed  May  80,  '65.  Residence — Idaho  Springs,  Colorado. 

John  C.  Rockwell.  Enlisted  Aug.  18,  '62.  Sent  to  Knoxville 
sick,  from  Mossy  Creek,  Tenn.,  Jan.  14,  '64.  Appoint 
ed  Hospital  Steward  in  General  Hospital  at  Knoxville, 
in  the  summer  of  '64,  and  remained  there  until  muster 
ed  out  of  the  service  at  Knoxville,  July  8,  '65  Address 
-Box  1/287,  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa. 

August  H.  Schrader.  Captured  at  Eicevilie,  Term.,  Sept.  '26, 
'68.  Exchanged  the  next  year.  Never  rejoined  com 
pany.  Discharged  July  1,  '65. 

Randolph  M.  States'  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Captured  near 
Winchester,  Ky.,  Eeb.  '28,  and  paroled  next  day:  ex 
changed  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  company  at  Bean's  Sta 
tion,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '68.  Captured  at  Columbia, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  80,  '64.  Paroled  April  15,  '65,  and  entered 
Union  lines  near  Yicksburg.  Not  exchanged.  Never 
rejoined  company.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111., 
May  81,  '65,  Address — Hortons,  Indiana  Co.,  Perm. 

PREVIOUST/Y    DISCHARGED. 

Second  Lieut.  Henry  S.  Comstock.  Enrolled  Aug.  11,  '6'2, 
and  mustered  in  as  Second  Lieut.  Resigned  at  Somer 
set,  Ky.,  June?,  '68.  Residence — Davenport,  Iowa. 

First  Serg.  George  L.  Shafer.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant. 
Promoted  Oct.  8,  '6'2.  Discharged  at  Camp  Nelson, 


372  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Ky.,  Nov.  5,  '(13,  by  reason   of   disability,     Pvesidence — 
La  Grange,  LaGrange  county,  Indiana. 

Corporal  Wilber  F.  Broughton.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  March  1,  '64.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at 
l.'toy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '(54.  Discharg 
ed  by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Davenport,  Iowa,  Nov.  '25, 
64.  Residence — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

Thomas  G,  Blish,  Discharged  at  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio. 
•Tune  80,  '63,  Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Jacob  Bainhart.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Franklin, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  80,  '64.  Discharged  at  General  Hospital, 
Louisville,  Ky.,  May  20,  '65.  Died  at  Geneseo,  111., 
Feb.  19,  71.  ' 

Frederick  Baker.  Wounded  in  action  at  Re.saca,  Ga.,  May 
14,  '64.  Discharged  by  reason  of  wouirds  at  Daven 
port,  Iowa,  Feb.  24,  '05.  1'esidence — Geneseo,  Henry 
county,  111, 

Louis  Deem.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '(;2.  Detailed  as  "Brigade 
Carpenter/'  Had  charge  of  Government  Barracks  at 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  20  months.  Discharged  at  Knoxville, 
May  12,  '(;5,  by  order  of  Sec'y  of  War.  Died  at  Cleve 
land,  Henry  county,  111.,  April  21,  74. 

Myron  Dillenbeck.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '(;2.  Discharged  at 
Lexington,  Ky.,  March  14,  '(;3,  by  reason  of  disability. 
Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Joseph  H.  Gleason.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Discharged 
Sept.  22,  '(j4. 

Calvin  H.  Howe.  Enlisted  July  31,  \\'2.  Captured  near  New 
Hope  Church,  Ga.,  June  17,  '(]4.  Exchanged  at  AYil- 
mington,  X.  C.,  March  1,  Y>5.  Never  rejoined  company. 
Discharged  June  2,  '(j5. 

Swan  Linquist.     Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky. 

William  Mitchell.  Enlisted  Aug.  5,  '<;2.  Discharged  at  Lex 
ington,  Ky..  Feb.  18,  '(;4 — disability.  Reported  dead. 

John  C.  Marshall.  Enlisted  Aug.  5,  ',;2.  Discharged  at 
Chicago,  111. 

George  C.  Mowry.     Enlisted    Aug.    12,    V/2.     Mustered    in   as 
Corporal.     Discharged    at    Lexington,   Ky.     Address 
Geneseo.  Henry  county.  111. 

Hugh  Pound.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  to  Cori)or- 
al  July,  '(^3  :  to  Sergeant  June  28,  '(;4.  AVounded  in 
action  at  liesaca,  (ra.,  May  14,  '(>4.  lleduced  to  ranks 
because  absent,  to  make  room  for  other  promotions, 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  I.  378 

March   1,   '(50.      Discharged   June   5,    (,5.      Address— 
Scranton,  Greene  county,  Iowa. 

Henry  L.  Powell.  He  emit.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan. 
5,  '64,  for  three  years.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '(54.  Discharged  May 
'29,  '65.  Died  in  Iowa. 

Marcellus  E.  Preston.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Detailed  for 
service  in  hospital  at  Lexington,  Ky.  Discharged  at 
Lexington,  May  11,  '(55. 

Daniel  Roberts.  Injured  near  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenii.,  Dec. 
16,  '63 — horse  fell  over  cliff  at  Highland  Creek  and  Rob 
erts'  thigh  broken.  Discharged  by  reason  of  injury  at 
Madison,  Indiana,  June  8,  '64.  Residence,  G-eneseo, 
Henry  county,  111. 

John  Shattuck.  Severely  wounded  and  captured  near  Rice- 
viile,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '08.  and  placed  in  hospital  at 
Athens.  Recaptured  when  Union  troops  re-occupied 
the  town,  Oct.  8,  '68,  and  sent  to  Krioxville.  Discharg 
ed  by  reason  of  wounds,  June  21,  '64. 

Ellertoi!  W.  Smith.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  28 
'08 — disability.  Resides  in  Crawford  county,  Kansas.' 

Thomas  Van  Buskirk.  On  detached  service  at  Knoxville — at 
work  with  construction  corps  during  the  siege  and  eight 
een  months  after.  Discharged  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  May 
28,  '05.  Address — 821)3  Lmdley  Avenue,  Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

John  Welch.  Enlisted  Aug.  6,  '62.  Mustered  in  as  Cor 
poral.  Sent  to  rear  sick  from  Pine  Mt.  (.-hi.,  in  June, 
'(54.  Discharged  at  Mound  City,  111.,  Sept.  22,  '64.  Ad 
dress — Alexandria,  J  )akota. 

Llewellyn  Wortlily.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26, 
'08 — Exchanged  the  next  year.  Never  rejoined  company 
Discharged  June  19, '(]5.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  since 
the  war. 

TRANSFERRED. 

First  Sergeant  Robert  E.  Steele.  Mustered  in  as  First  Ser 
geant.  Appointed  Commissary  Sergeant  of  the  regi 
ment,  Oct.  8,  '02.  See  Non-commissioned  Staff. 

Sergeant  Edward  Cragin.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  Oct.  3.  '62.  Transferred  to  the  Navy  June  28,'  64. 
Discharged  at  Cairo,  111..  July  17,  '05.  Residence,  Gen- 
eseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Roswel]  N.  Henderson.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '02.  Elected  Chap 
lain  of  the  regiment  Oct.  8,  '62.  See  Field  and  Staff. 


374  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Joseph  C.  Jolnisou.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Appointed  Hos 
pital  Steward  of  the  regiment  Oct.  3,  62.  See  Non 
commissioned  Stuff. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  VETERAN  RESERVE  COUPS. 

Henry  M.  Richards.  "Wounded  in  action  near  Pine  Mt.,  Ga., 
June  1*2,  '64.  Transferred  by  reason  of  wounds,  Feb. 
4.  65.  .Discharged  at  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  July  3,  '65. 
Address — Maquon,  Knox  county,  111. 

KILLED  AND   DIED  IX  THE  SERVICE. 

Sergeant  John  Liken.  Captured  at  Rieeville,  Tenn.,  Sept. 
26.  '63.  Died  in  Anderson ville  Prison,  Aug.  19,  "64. 
No.  of  Grave  6,295. 

Corporal  George  AY.  Hatton.  Enlisted  Aug.  6,  '62.  Captur 
ed  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  rebel  pris 
on  at  Florence,  S.  C.,  Feb.  20,  '65.  No  record  of  grave. 
See  note  e. 

Corporal  Cyrus  B,  Lord.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.  Sept. 
26,  '63.  Died  in  Andersonville  Prison  Sept.  15,  '64. 
No.  of  Grave  10,  405. 

Corporal  Charles  F.  Barber.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  Oct.  27,  '62.  Captured  at  Kiceville,  Tenn.,  Sept. 
26,  '63.  Died  in  Andersonville  Prison  Aug.  16,  '64.  No. 
of  Grave  5,848. 

PRIVATES. 

Samuel  L.  Bam  hart.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec.  24,  '62. 
Buried  on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No. 
of  Grave  175.  See  note  d. 

Lewis  E.  Colby.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Captured  at  Kice 
ville,  Tenn.  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Dan 
ville,  Ya.,  Jan.  27.  '64.  No.  of  Grave  in  National  Cem 
etery  at  Danville,  68. 

Peter  Coyle.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Captured  at  Kiceville, 
Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Danville, 
Ya.,  March  26,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  in  National  Cemetery 
at  Danville,  308. 

Orton  A.  Clifton.  Recruit.  Enlisted  March  30,  mustered  in 
April  25,  '64,  for  three  years.  Died  at  Louisville,  Ky., 
July  20,  "64.  No  record  of  grave. 

Thomas  H.  Daring.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Captured  at  Rice- 
ville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  Andersonville  Pris- 
son  Oct.  10,  '64.  No.  Grave  10,961- 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  ^  375 

James  \V.  Dowel.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Captured  at  Rice- 
ville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  Anderson ville  Prison 
Oct.  1,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  10,148. 

John  Doyle.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Captured  at  Riceville, 
Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  Anderson  ville,  Prison 
Jan.  17,  '65.  No.  of  Grave  12,476. 

Watson  B.  Ford.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63. 
Reported  as  having  died  in  prison  at  Danville,  Ya., 
Dec.  25,  '64,  but  his  name  does  not  appear  on  the  prison 
records,  and  I  can  find  no  record  of  his  death  or  burial. 

Frank  Gurstung.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '62.  Captured  at  Rice- 
ville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  prison  at  Danville, 
Ya.,  Dec.  1,  '63.  No.  of  Grave  in  National  Cemetery 
at  Danville,  686. 

La  Fayette  Gearhart.  Recruit.  Enlisted  March  24,  muster 
ed  in  April  25,  '64,  for  three  years.  Captured  at*  Co 
lumbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Paroled  about  April  1,  and 
died  on  Hospital  Boat  April  7,  '(55. 

James  Hart.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '62.  Captured  at  Riceville, 
Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  Andersonville  Prison 
Sept.  20,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  unknown.  See  note  h. 

Edward  D.  Hunt.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  "63. 
Died  in  prison  at  Florence,  S.  C.,  Jan.  5,  465.  No  re 
cord  of  grave.  See  note  e. 

Herman  Hinkle.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '62.  Died  at  Lexington, 
Ky.  Buried  on  Goverment  lot  hi  Lexington  Cemetery. 
No.  of  grave  413.  See  note  d. 

William  Miller.  Recruit.  Enlisted  March  25,  mustered  in 
May  18,  '64,  for  three  years.  Died  at  Knox ville,  Tenn., 
Aug.  3  '(54.  Buried  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Knox- 
ville.  No.  of  grave  1125. 

JohnJB.  Peterson.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63. 
Died  in  Andersonville  Prison  Nov.  27,  '(54.  No.  of  grave 
12179. 

Henry  M.  Philips.  Captured  at  Athens,  Tenn.  while  sick  in 
hospital.  Sept.  27,  '(53.  Recaptured  on  return  of  Union 
troops,  Oct.  3,  '(53.  Died  in  hospital  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.. 
Nov.  15.  '63.  Remains  removed  and  interred  in  the 
National  Cemetery  at  Knox  ville  Feb\  1.  '(54.  No.  of 
Grave  449. 

Daniel  R.  Riggs.  Enlisted  Aug.  9,  '(52.  Capture;!  at  Athens, 
Tenn..  while  sick  in  hospital,  Sept.  27,  '(53.  Recaptured 
on  return  of  Union  troops  Oct.  3,  '63.  Died  at  Geneseo, 
111.,  while  at  home  on  furlough. 


876  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

* 

Elias  Rollin.  Died  at  Somerset,  Ky.,  Jane  20  '08.  No  record 
of  place  of  burial. 

Robert  0.  Serene.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '02.  Captured  at  Rice- 
ville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Died  in  AndersonTille  Pris 
on  Aug.  5,  '<;4.  No.  of  Grave  4,87*2. 

Jefferson  S.  Snyder.  Captured  at  Riceville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  '2(;, 
'58.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Danville,  Ya.,  Feb.  8,  '(ji. 
No.  of  Grave  in  National  Cemetery  at  Danville,  388. 

Ira  "White.  Recruit.  Enlisted  March  22,  mustered  in  April 
25,  '(j4,  for  three  years.  .Died  at  Decatur,  Ga.,  Sept. 
28,  '()4.  Remains  removed  and  interred  in  the  National 
Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.  No.  of  Grave  5,197,  Sec.  F. 

DESERTED 

Wagoner  William  G.  Griffin.     Deserted  at  Lexington,  Ky. 

William  C.  Goshorn.  Enlisted  Aug.  (j.  '(j2.  Deserted  at  Lex 
ington,  Ky. 

James  Pierce.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Deserted  at  Lexing 
ton,  Ky. 

Recruits,   transferred  to  Co.  F,  65th  IH.  Yols.    (consolidated), 
June  20,  '65  ;  mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  July  18,  '65  : 

Corporal  John  R.  Eeveridge.  Enlisted  March  80,  mustered 
in  April  25,  '($4,  for  three  years.  Promoted  to  Corporal 
Nov.  23,  '(34.  Appointed  Sergeant  of  Co.  F,  gSth  111. 
Address— Fremont,  Dodge  county,  Nebraska. 

PRIVATES 

Allen  Adams. f* Enlisted  and  mustered   in  March  29,  '(jo,  for 

one  year. 
George  W.   Bracken.     Enlisted   and  mustered  in  March  23, 

'^5,  for  one  year.     Address — Corning,  Dakota. 
James  R.  Berton.     Enlisted  Jan.  12,  mustered  in  Jan.  18,    ?gy, 

for  one  year. 
Byron  Coe.     Enlisted  March  30,  mustered  in  April  25,  '$4,  for 

three  years.     Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 
Almon  B.  Coe.     Enlisted  March  30,  mustered  in  April  25,  'g4, 

for  three  years.     Address — Glen  Elder,  Mitchell  county, 

Kansas. 
Bruce  Grain.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  24,  'g5,  for  one 

year.     Address— Geneseo,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 
Hugh  Doyle.     Enlisted  Jan.    12,  mustered  in  Jan.  13,  '(j5,  for 

one  year. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  I.  37t 

John' W.  Goss.  Enlisted  Jan.  19,  mustered  in  Jan.  20,  '65, 
for  one  year.  Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

William  Godfrey.  Enlisted  March  30,  mustered  in  April  25,  '64, 
for  three  years.  Appointed  First  Sergeant  Co.  F,  65th 
111.  Commissioned  Second  Lieut.,  but  not  mustered. 
Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

James  H.  Keyser.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  30,  '64, 
for  three  years.  Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

James  A.  Little.  Enlisted  March  28,  mustered  in  April  25, 
'64,  for  three  years.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at 
Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Appointed 
Sergeant  of  Co.  F,  65th  111.  Address — Hastings,  Da 
kota  county,  Minnesota. 

James  H.  Low.  Enlisted  Jan.  19,  mustered  in  Jan.  20,  '65, 
for  one  year. 

Henry  Maybee.  Enlisted  Jan.  12,  mustered  in  Jan.  13, '65, 
for  one  year. 

Albert  H.  Miles.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  23,  '65,  for 
one  year.  Appointed  Corporal  of  Co.  F,  65th  111.  Res 
idence — DesMoines,  Iowa. 

Clarence  E.  Miles.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  23,  '65, 
for  one  year.  Reported  "absent  sick,"  at  muster  out  of 
65th  Illinois. 

William  H.  Eankin.     Enlisted   March   22,   mustered  in  April 
25,  '64,  for  three  years.     Slightly  wounded  in  action  at 
.;/:.  IJtoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64. 
John  Richey.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  24,  '65,  for  one 
year.     Reported  "absent  sick,"  at  muster  out   of  '65th 
- :  111.     Address — Kansas  City,  Missouri. 
Tremont  W.  Rickell.     Enlisted  March  18,  mustered  in  March 
20, '65,  for  one  year.     Reported   "absent  sick,"  at  mus- 
u  ter  out  of  65th  Illinois. 
Henry  Robinson.     Enlisted  Jan.  19,  and  mustered  in  Jan.  20, 

,,;    '65,  for  one  year. 

Francis  H,  Secord.     Enlisted  March  14,  mustered  in  April  25, 
•'•••  '64,  for  three  years.     Address — Miles   City,  Ouster  Co., 

Montana  Territory. 
Charles  Seyler.     Enlisted  Jan.    12,   mustered  in  Jan.  13,  '65, 

'' •    for  one  year.     Address — Atkinson,  Henry  county,  111. 
Finley  F.  Westerfield.     Enlisted  March  29,  mustered  in  April 
>r'25,  '64,  for  three  years.     Appointed  Corporal  of  Co.  F, 
' '  6oth  111;     Died  in  St.  Louis,  Mo..  Oct.  17,  '81.   Widow's 

—27 


378  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

address  -Mrs.  Emma  Westerfield,   1,309  Park  Avenue, 

St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

Isaac  N.  Welch.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in  Jan.  24,  '65,  fcr 

one  year. 

Louis  Welch.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  24,  '65,  for  one 
year.  Residence — DeaMoines,  Iowa. 

Jacob  Zimmerman.  Enlisted  March  24,  mustered  in  April 
25,  '64,  for  three  years.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at 
Ttoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company  84 

Absent,  9 
Previously  Discharged,                                                  .  23 

Transferred,  4 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  1 
Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  (16  in  rebel  prisons)      25 

Deserted,  3 

lieomits  transferied  to  the  65th  111.,  26 

Total,  125 


COMPANY  C. 

Enrolled  at  Cambridge,  Henry  County,  111.,  in  August,  1862. 

Organized  August  9,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  Aug.  9,    1862. 
Mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  June  20,  1862. 

Captain  John  B.  Mitchell.  Enrolled  Aug.  9 ;  mustered  in 
Sept.  20,  '62,  as  First  Lieut.  Promoted  Oct.  17,  to 
rank  from  Aug.  9,  '63.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Term.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  in  the  head  and  left  leg.  Slightly 
wounded  in  action  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64. 
Address — Ogalalla,  Keith  county,  Nebraska. 

Fiist  Lieut.  Alexander  P.  Petrie.  Enrolled  Aug.  8;  mustered 
in  Sept.  20,  '62,  as  Second  Lieutenant.  Promoted 
Dec.  17  (when  commission  received),  to  rank  from  Aug. 
9,  '63.  Acting  Adjutant  of  the  regiment  from  Oct.  20, 
•I  to  Nov.  24,  '63.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Kelly's 
Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Jan.  28, 


BOSTER  OF  COMPANY  C. 

'64.     Again   wounded,   on  skirmish  line,  at  Mud  Creek, 
near  New  Hope  Church,  (la.,    June  17,  '64.     Residence 
— New  Windsor,  Mercer  county,  111. 
First  Sergeant  Elijah  Foster  Benedict.     Mustered   in   as-Ser- 

feant ;  promoted  Oct.  17,  '68.  Address — Blue  Rapids, 
larshall  county,  Kansas. 

Sergeant  William  J.  Gillespie.  Enlisted  Aug.  7,  '6'2.  Com 
missioned  Second  Lieut.  June  15,  '65,  but  not  mustered. 
Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Sergeant  Reuben  Maxwell.     Address — Golden,  Adams  Co.,  111. 

Sergeant  George  W.  Buck.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Detailed 
in  Q.  M.  Dep't,  as  Wagon  Master,  from  April,  '63,  until 
mustered  out.  Address — Coal  Valley,  Rock  Island  Co., 
Illinois. 

Sergeant  Lincoln  S.  Baugh.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal;  pro 
moted  Oct.  17,  '63.  Address — Arkansas  Cuy,  Co\vley 
county,  Kansas. 

Corporal  John  Boyd  Jr.     Address — Cambridge,  Henry  Co.,  111. 

Corporal  Joseph  L.  Knox.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '62.  Died  at 
Hanson,  Webster  Co..  Iowa,  Nov.  12,  '75. 

Corporal  John  D.  Hill.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  62.  Mustered  in 
as  Private ;  promoted  Oct.  17,  '63.  Detailed  as  Color 
Guard,  and  carried  the  Regimental  Banner,  from  May, 
'63,  to  May  6,  '64,  when  he  was  appointed  Color  Serg 
eant,  and  served  as  such  until  mustered  out.  The  flag 
was  riddled  with  bullets  at  Franklin,  Tenu.,  Nov.  30, 
'64,  and  frequently  hit  at  other  times  while  in  his  hands. 
Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
18,  '63.  Address— Geneseo,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

Corporal  George  Pearce.  Mustered  in  as  Private  ;  promoted 
in  '63.  Address — Orion,  Henry  county,  111. 

Corporal  Martin  L.  Vincent.  Enlisted  Aug.  22, ''62.  Muster 
ed  in  as  Private  ;  promoted  in  '63!  Wounded  in  action 
at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River,  E.  Tenn., 
Jan.  28,  '64.  Address — Cambridge,  Henry  county.  111. 

Corporal  William  H.  H.  Smith.  Mustered  in  as  Private  ; 
promoted  in  1864. 

Corporal  Allen  Woods.  I^nlisted  Aug.  4,  '62.  Mustered  in  as 
Private  ;  promoted  in  '65.  Severely  wounded  in  action 
at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63;  and  slightly  wounded 
in  action  at  Campbell's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63. 
Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Wagoner  Simeon  1).  Vermule.  On  duty  in  Q.  M.  Dep't.  as 
teamster,  his  whole  term  of  service. 


380  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

PRIVATES. 

William  Anderson.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Bean's 
Station,  E.  Term.,  Dec.  15,  '63;  again  wounded  in..ac- 
tion  at  I.' toy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  "6, ; '64. 
Address — Orion,  Henry  county,  111. 

Thomas  Anderson.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  .23, 
'63.  Paroled  next  day ;  exchanged  Sept.  10.  and  re- 
ioined  the  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec. 
14,  '63.  Address — Orion,  Henry  county,  111. 

James  E.  Ayers.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Franklin, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Residence— Cambridge,'  Henry 
co  mty,  Illinois. 

Benjamin  P.  Bennett.     Address — Delphi,  Kinggold    Co.,   la. 

Myron  H.  Berry.     Address — Beatrice,  Gage  Co.,  Nebraska. 

Emanuel  C.  Betchell.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Wounded  and 
captured  in  action  at  Bichmond,  Ky.,  July  .28.  '63,  and 
paroled  on  the  ground.  Absent  4  months.  Paroles  not 
recognized.  Beported  to  company  for  duty,  without 
exchange,  by  order  of  Department  Commander.  Ad 
dress — Orion,  Henry  county,  111. 

John  Boyd  Sr.     Died  at  Cambridge,  111.,  Feb.  2,  '77. 

George  M.  Clark.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  ?64.  Address — Osborne,  Osborne 
county,  Kansas. 

William  P.  Decker.  Enlisted  Aug.  6,  '62.  Captured  near 
Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  23,  '62.  Paraled  next  day;  ex 
changed  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  company  near  Bean's 
Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  9,  '63.  Besidence,  Cambridge, 
Henry  county,  111. 

George  W.  Decker.  Enlisted  Aug.  5.  Address— Burr  Oak, 
Jewell  county,  Kansas. 

James  F.  Duncan.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Address— Valley  Falls,  Jeff 
erson  county,  Kansas. 

John  J.  Davis. 

William  H.  H.  Dilley.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Address— Mi 
lan,  Bock  Island  county,  111. 

Henry  H.  Firkins.  Wounded  in  action  near  Philadelphia,  E. 
Tenn.,  Oct.  26,  '63.  Besidence,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

Egbert  Firkins.     Address — Dexter,  Dallas  county,  Iowa. 

Dewitt  C.  Godfrey. 

Benton  W.  Godfrey.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Slightly  wound- 
eel  in  action  at  Knoxville,,Teim.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Died 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  C.  381 

from  injuries  received  in  a  cyclone,  at  Davenport,  Iowa, 
about  May  1,  '84. 

Thomas  J.  Henderson.  Enlisted.  Aug.  15,  '62.  Address- 
Orion,  Henry  county,  111. 

Noah  H  impton.  Captured  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63, 
and  paroled  on  the  ground.  Paroles  not  recognized. 
Returned  to  duty,  without  exchange,  by  order  of  De 
partment  Commander. 

Charles  J.  Hay  den. 

Aaron  Hill.     Address — Newton,  Jasper  county,  Iowa. 

George  Horton. 

Francis  Hamilton.     Reported  dead. 

William  N.  Johnson.. 

George  Kelcon.  Captured  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63, 
and  paroled  on  the  ground.  Paroles  not  recognized. 
Returned  to  company  for  duty,  without  exchange,  by 
order  of  Department  Commander.  Address— Orion, 
Henry  county,  111. 

George  B.  Lower.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  23, 
'63,  and  paroled  next  day.  Exchanged  Sept.  10,  and 
rejoined  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14, 
'63.  Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Thomas  T.  Mclvor.     Address — Coin,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

Ransom  Reed.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Address — Reno,  Cass 
county,  Iowa. 

Benjamin  P.  Scoville.  Wounded  inaction  at  Franklin,  Tenn., 
Nov.  30,  '64.  Address — St.  Lawrence,  Hand  county, 
Dakota. 

William  F.  Smith.  Captured  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63, 
and  paroled  on  the  ground.  Paroles  not  recognized. 
Returned  to  company  for  duty,  without  exchange,  by 
order  of  Department  Commander.  Address — Bishop 
Hill,  Henry  county,  111. 

Leonard  Smith.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Address — Briar 
Bluff,  Henry  county,  III. 

James  L.  Stratton.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  62.  Address — Tontog- 
any,  Wood  county,  Ohio. 

Alfred  J.  Tarbox.  Enlisted  Aug.  5,  '62.  Address— Cam 
bridge,  Henry  county,  111. 

Samuel  Williams.     Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.     Reported  dead. 

ABSENT. 

Corporal  Ithamcr  P.   Miller.     Captured  at  Columbia,  Term., 


382  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Nov.  30,  '64.  Paroled  in  April,  '65.  Not  exchanged. 
Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  Feb.  20,  '66,  to 
date  from  June  20,  '65.  Address— Kewanee,  Henry 
county,  111. 

Wesley  Crigler.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  -  Captured  at  Rich- 
mond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63,  and  paroled  on  the  ground. 
Paroles  not  recognized,  and  reported  to  company  for  du 
ty  by  order  of  Department  Commander.  Again  captur 
ed  at  Knoxville,  Term.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  sent  to  Anderson- 
ville,  and  thence  to  Florence,  S.  C.  Escaped  and  enter 
ed  Sherman's  lines  near  Savannah,  Ga.,  and  inarched 
with  Sherman's  army  to  Goldsboro,  N.  C.,  where  he  re 
joined  the  company  March  23,  '65.  Absent  sick  in  hos 
pital.  Discharged  July  1,  '65.  Address — Middle  Eiver, 
Madison  county,  Iowa. 

Thomas  Duncan.  Wounded  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14, 
'64.  Absent  by  reason  of  wounds  until  Feb.  14,  '65, 
when  he  started  to  rejoin  the  regiment  in  North  Caroli 
na.  At  New  York  was  placed  on  garrison  duty  at  Fort 
Wood,  and  remained  there  until  discharged.  Never  lost 
an  hour's  duty  until  wounded.  Discharged  at  New  York 
City,  July  5,  '65.  Address— Republican  City,  Harlan 
county,  Nebraska. 

Griffith   Shreck.      Severely  wounded   in   action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.     Absent  in  hospital.   Discharged  at< 
Springfield,    111.,  July    25,    '65.     Address — Cherryvale, 
Montgomery  county,  Kansas. 

.  PREVIOUSLY   DISCHARGED. 

Captain  John  J.  Biggs.  Enrolled  Aug.  11.  '62,  and  mustered 
in  as  Captain.  Resigned  at  Stanford,  Ky.,  Aug.  9,  '63. 

Second  Lieut.  Homer  Sherbondy.  Enrolled  Aug.  9,  '62,  and 
mustered  in  as  First  Sergeant.  Promoted  Dec.  17, 
(when  commission  received),  to  rank  from  Aug.  9,  '63. 
Severely  wounded,  in  arm  and  side,  in  action  near 
Pumpkinvine  Creek,  Ga.,  May  30,  '64.  Captured  at 
Columbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Paroled  at  Vicksburg, 
Miss.,  March  31,  '65,  and  sent  to  Parole  Camp,  at  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  and  placed  in  command  of  a  company  of 
paroled  men.  Not  exchanged.  Discharged  at  St.  Louis, 
May  3,  '65,  under  General  Order  No.  63  of  War  Dept., 
providing  that  paroled  officers  should  be  mustered  out 
upon  application.  Address — What  Cheer,  Keokuk  coun 
ty,  Iowa. 

Corporal  Hanford  Q.  Edwards.    Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '62.  Wound- 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  C.  888 

ed  in  action  at  liesaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '(54— shot  through 
the  lungs.  Discharged  by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Quin- 
c.y,  111.,  March  29,  '65.  Died  from  effect  of  wounds  at 
Chillicothe,  Mo.,  Feb!  19,  '82. 

Corporal  Sylvester  Rockwell.  Enlisted  Aug.  20,  '62.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  in  '68.  Discharged 
May  9,  '64,  to  accept  a  commission  as  Lieutenant  in 
the  4th  Ky.  Inft.  Died  at  Cambridge,  111.,  since  the  wr. 

Musician  George  W.  Benedict.  Left  in  Alexandria,  Va.,  in 
Queen  St.  Hospital,  Feb.  4,  '65,  sick ;  and  since  absent. 
Discharged  at  Slough  General  Hospital,  Alexandria, 
June  14,  '65.  Address — Atkinson,  Henry  county,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

Thomas  J.  At  water.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
Nov.  18,  '63,  and  left  on  the  field  and  captured  by  the 
enemy.  Exchanged  Nov.  29,  '63,  after  the  assault  on 
Fort  Saunders.  Left  leg  amputated  by  rebel  surgeons. 
Discharged  at  Chicago,  111.,  Feb.,  '64.  Died  at  his 
home  in  Henry  county,  111.,  from  the  effects  of  wound, 
Jan.  23,  72. 

Samuel  Berry.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Discharged  at  Lex 
ington,  Ky.,  Feb.,  '63 — disability. 

Hiram  Crossley.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.  '63— 
disability.  Address — Osco,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

James  M.  Dean.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.  '63,— 
disability. 

Pearley  H.  El  well.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Absent  sick, 
and  reduced  to  ranks.  Discharged  at  Chicago,  111.,  in 
'63,  by  reason  of  disability. 

Ira  H.  Frisbie.     Discharged  April  13,  '65. 

John  M.  Henderson.  Severely  injured — foot  broken  by  fall  of 
horse — and  captured  in  action  at  Kichrnond,  Ky.,  July 
28,  '63,  and  paroled  on  the  ground.  Discharged  by  rea 
son  of  injury,  at  Chicago,  111.,  June  9,  '64.  Address— 
Monticello,  Johnson  county,  Kansas. 

Henry  C.  Morris.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
Nov.  17,  '63 — lost  left  arm.  Discharged  by  Special  Or 
der  of  Sec'y  of  War,  at  Chicago,  111.,  July  2,  '64. 

George  Thomas.  Discharged  June  14,  '65.  Address — Orion, 
Henry  county,  111. 

David  Tyler.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '62.  Discharged  at  New  York 
City,  May  26,  '65,  by  reason  of  disability.  Address- 
Middle  River,  Madison  countv,  Iowa. 


884  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Hiram  T.  Williamson.  Injured  by  concussion  of  exploding 
shell  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Discharg 
ed  by  reason  of  injury,  at  Knoxville,  Term.,  May  26, 
'65.  Address — Aurora,  Hamilton  county,  Nebraska. 

TRANSFERRED. 

William  B.  Tranmer.     Transferred  to  Navy,  June  24,  '64. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  VETP]RAN  RESERVE  COUPS. 

Robert  W.  Con/lit.    Enlisted  Aug.  15.  '62.  Tranf'd  April  1,  '65. 
George  Maconnel.     Slightly  wounded  in   action  at  Knoxville, 

Term.,  Nov.  18,  '63,  and  again  at  Eesaca,  Ga.,  May  14, 

'64  ;  and  transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 
Rufus  H.  Pratt.     Transferred  March  15,  '65.     Died  at  Galva, 

Henry  county,  111.,  Sept.  6,  '77. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Corporal  William  E.   Thompson.     Died  at   Lexington,  Ky., 
April   13,    '63,  of  pneumonia.     Buried   on  Government 
Lot   in  Lexington   Cemetery.     No.  of  Grave  388.      See 
,     note  d. 

Corporal  George  McCausland.  Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn..  Nov.  18,  '63.  Remains  removed  and  interred  in 
the  National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville,  Jan.  31,  '64.  No. 
of  Grave  443. 

Corporal  Joel  C.  Smith.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Mustered  in 
as  Private,  and  promoted.  Mortally  wounded  in  action 
at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Died  in  hospital,  and 
buried  in  National  Cemetery  afc  Chattanooga,  Tenn., 
June  24,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  11,317,  in  Section  E. 

Musician  John  Davis.  Mortally  wounded  in  action  at  Knox 
ville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  died  Nov.  19,  '63.  Remains  re 
moved  Jan.  81,  '64,  and  interred  in  the  National  Ceme 
tery  at  Knoxville.  No.  of  Grave  447. 

PRIVATES. 

John  F.  Barney.     Enlisted  Aug.  10,   '62.     Captured  at  Rich 
mond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63,  and  paroled   on  the  ground. 
Paroles  not  recognized   and  returned  to  his  company 
..for  duty,   without  exchange,   by  order  of  Dep't   Com-, 
mander.     Killed  in  action   at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64. 
v\;  Remains  not   found,   or  among  the  "unknown"  in  the 

National  Cemetery  at  Chattanooga.     See  note  a. 
Daniel  P.  Bennett.     Died  in  hospital   at    Springfield,  111.  in 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  C.  385 

April,  '05.  Buried  in  Cemetery  at  Camp  Butler.  No  of 
Grave  285. 

William  H.  Buchanan.  Captuied  near  New  Market,  E.  Term., 
Dec.  29,  '(18.  Exchanged,  and  died  in  hospital  at  Bal 
timore,  Md.,  Feb.  '20,  '04.  \o  record  of  burial. 

Erastus  Davis.  Died  of  malarial  fever,  at  Kinston,  X.  C., 
March  26,  '05.  No  record  of  burial. 

Lorenzo  Draper.  Died  of  typhoid  fever,  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
Feb.  28,  '04.  Burie'd  in  National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville. 
No  of  Grave  493. 

William  Follett.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  V»2.  Killed  in  action  at 
Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '04.  Remains  removed  and  inter 
red  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn.  No 
of  Grave  9270,  in  Section  L. 

William  J.  Hill.  Enlisted  Aug.  15.  '02.  Killed  in  action,  on 
the  skirmish  line,  at  Mud  (reek,  near  New  Hope  Church, 
Ga.,  June  17,  '04.  Remains  removed  and  interred  in 
the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta.,  Ga.  No.  of  Grave, 
5,250,  in  Section  F. 

Joseph  J.  Hoover.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '02.  Died  of  typhoid 
fever,  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec,  '02.  Buried  on  the  Gov 
ernment  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave  107. 

Ira  E.  Higgins.  Recruit.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Nov.  27, 
'63,  for  three  years.  Died  ;;t  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Sept. 
15,  '04.  Buried  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville. 
No.  of  Grave,  1,218. 

James  J.  Inglis.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '02.  Killed  in  action  at 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  while  acting  as  Color  Guard,  Nov.  17, 
'03.  Remains  removed,  Jan.  30.  '04,  and  interred  in 
the  National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville.  No.  of  Grave  445. 

William  L.  Jordan.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  At 
lanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  0,  '04.  Ji.emains  removed  and  interred 
in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.  No.  of 
Grave  5,310,  in  Section  F. 

Edward  Miller.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '02.  Wounded  in  action 
near  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  15,  '03.  Mortally 
wounded  011  skirmish  line  at  Mud  Creek,  near  New 
Hope  Church,  Ga.,  June  17.  '04.  Died  in  hospital  at 
Kingston,  Ga.,  July  1,  '(14.  Buried  in  the  National 
(  emetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.,  No.  of  Grave  506,  in  Sec.  A. 

Oscar  A.  Middaugh.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '02.  pied  at  Camp 
Biirnside,  Xlilledgeville,  Ky.,  of  typhoid  fever,  May  14, 
'03.  No  record  of  place  of  burial. 

Edward  R.  Petrie.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '02.  Killed  in  action  at 
—28 


386  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '(54.  Remains  carried  off 
the  field  and  sent  home,  and  interred  in  the  cemetery 
at  New  Windsor,  Mercer  county,  111. 

Henry  J.  Roberts.  Accidentally  wounded  by  explosion  of  a 
quantity  of  gunpowder  in  a  building  at  Lebanon,  Ky., 
•July  1),  and  died  July  12,  '03.  Buried  in  the  National 
Cemetery  at  Lebanon.  No.  of  Grave,  510. 

John  N.  Sellers.  Enlisted  Aug.  11.  '62.  Died  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  Nov.  6,  '62.  Buried  on  Government  Lot  in  Lex 
ington  Ceineteiy.  No.  of  Giave  84. 

Joseph  S.  'Waters.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March,  '63.  Bur 
ied  ou  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No. 
of  Grave  '241. 

George  C.  Wood.  Drowned  in  crossing  Clinch  Paver,  on  the 
Saunders  Raid,  in  E.  Tenn.,  June  18,  '(53. 

DESERTED 

Lewis  Edwards.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Deserted  at  Lexing 
ton,  Ky.,  Jan.  1,  '(53  (Henry  Co.  Records- -Feb.  14,  'G3. 

George  W.  Frisbie.     Deserted  at  Quincy.  111.,  Feb.  4,  '65. 

Henry  H.  Murdock.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  On  detached 
service.  Deserted  at  London,  Tenn.,  Nov.  1,  '63. 

Joseph  Nicholson.     Deserted  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March  29,  '63. 

Herman  C.  Welton.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '(52.  Deserted  at  Lex 
ington,  Ky.,  Jan.  IS,  '63. 

PRIVATES. 

Recruits,    transferred  to  Co.  F,  65th  111.  Vols.    (consolidated), 
June  20,  '65.     Mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  July  13,  '05. 

Harry  H.  Baldwin.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Feb.  19,  '64,  for 

"  tliree  years.     Address — Fort  Dodge,  Webster  Co.,  Iowa. 

John  W.  Cox.     Enlisted  and   mustered   in  March  23,  '64,  for 

three  years.     Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  U  toy  Creek, 

near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '<J4.     Appointed  Corporal  in 

Co.  F,  65th  111.    Address — Clarindii,  Page  county,  Iowa. 
Stephen  Chapel.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in  Nov.  27,  '03,  for 

three  years. 
John  C.  Gardner.     Enlisted  and   mustered   in  March  23,  '64, 

for  three  years.     Address — Viola,  Mercer  county,  111. 
Augustus  Johnson.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  23,  '64, 

for  three  years.     Captured   at  Columbia,    Tenn.,    Nov. 

30,  '0.4.     Paroled   about    April   1,  '65.     Not  exchanged. 

Never   rejoined   company.     (One   report  states  that  he 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  II.  887 

died  while  a  prisoner  of  war.)     Reported    "absent  sick" 

at  muster-out  of  65th  111. 
James  W.  Kessler.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in   Feb.  18.  '64, 

for  three  years.     Reported    "absent  sick"  at  muster-out 

of  65.li  111.     Address — Cambridge,  Henry  county,  111. 
James  T.  Longshore.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Feb.  18,  '64, 

for  three  years.     Address — Monmouth,   Warren  Co.  111. 
George  W.  Petty.     Fidisted  and  mustered  in  Nov.  27,  'G3,  for 

three  years. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company  49 

Absent,  4 

Previously  Discharged,  If) 

Transferred  to  Navy,  1 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  8 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  22 

Deserted,  5 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  (loth  111.,  8 


Total,  108 


COMPANY  H. 

Enrolled  at  Cambridge,  Henry  County,  111.,  in  August,  1862. 

Organized  August  15,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  Aug.  15,  1862. 
Mustered  into  the  Tinted  States  service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
(Actually  mustered  Sept.  22  ;  but  rolls  dated  Sept.  20,  1862. 
and  recorded  in  the  Adj't  Gen's  Office  as  having  been  muster 
ed  on  that  date). 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  June  20,  1865  : 

Captain  George  \V.  Sroufe.  Enrolled  Aug.  11,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Captain.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Residence.  Lar- 
ned,  Pawnee  county,  Kansas. 

First  Lieut.  Thomas  F.  Davenport.  Enrolled  Aug.  14,  '62. 
Acting  Ass't  Com.  of  Subsistence  2d  Brig.  1st  Division 
Cav.  Corp,  Army  of  the  Ohio,  from  Aug.  14,  '68,  to 
April  8,  '64.  A.  A.  C.  S.  of  Detachment  on  march  from 


388  HTSTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  to  Kuoxville,  Tenn.,  April  14  to  May 
2,  '64.  A.  A.  Q.  M.,  Bd  Erig.  3d  Div.  23d  A.  C.,  Army 
of  the  Ohio,  from  Dec. '31.  '64,  until  mustered  out.  Ad 
dress-  -Cambridge,  Henry  county,  111. 

Second  Lieut.  Jesse  Newman.  Enrolled  Aug.  22,  '6*2.  Mus 
tered  in  as  First  Sergeant.  Promoted  March  31,  '63. 
Wounded  in  action  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  French  Broad 
Elver,  E.  Tenn.,  -Ian.  28,  T4 ;  and  severely  wounded  in 
the  battle  of  Franklin.  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '(14.  Residence, 
450  West  14th  St.,  New  York  City.  Business  address, 
32  Ganesvoort  St. 

Sergeant  Lewis  Norton.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky., 
Feb.  23.  '63.  Paroled  next  day ;  exchanged  Sept.  io, 
and  rejoined  company  at  Lean's  Station,  in  E.  Tenn., 
Dec.  14,  '63.  Residence,  Andover,  Henry  county,  111. 

Serjeant  John  H.  Matthews.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  March  31,  63.  Captured  in  action  at  Richmond, 
Ky..  July  28,  '63,  and  paroled  on  the  field.  Paroles  not 
recognized,  and  lie  retained  to  company  for  duty. 
Wounded  in  action  at  Ucoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga., 
Aug.  6,  '64.  Died  at  Cambridge,  Henry  county,  111., 
Sept.  8,  1876. 

Sergeant  John  L.  Jennings.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  to  Serg.  Nov.  18,  '63.  Color  Bearer  from  muster 
in  to  April  6,  '64,  Avhen  he  was  relieved  at  his  own  re 
quest.  Wounded  b/  shell  inaction  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
Nov.  18,  '63.  Also  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64,  and  in  the  battle  of 
Frank'in,  Tenn.,  Nov.  FO,  '64.  Address — Cambridge, 
Henry  county,  111. 

Sergeant  Frederick  C.  Frit/:.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Muster 
ed  in  as  Corporal.  Promoted  May  14,  '64.  Address- 
Stuart,  Gutbrie  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  Amos  Julien.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
April  30,  '63.  Address — Webster  City,  Hamilton  county, 
Iowa. 

Corporal  Abner  Norman.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62,  mustered  in 
as  Private.  Promoted  Jan.  '63.  Wounded  in  action  at 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Address — Defiance, 
Worth  county,  Missouri. 

Corporal  John  W.  Wadsworth.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  Jan.  '63. 

Corporal  Thomas  F.  Meer.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Private.  Promoted  April  30,  '63,  Address — Green 
lliver,  Henry  county,  111. 


EOSTER  OF  COMPANY  H.  389 

Corporal  Andrew  J.  Sible.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promot 
ed  April  30,  '63.  Address— Hawk  Eye,  Fayette  county, 
Iowa. 

Corporal  David  V.  Plants.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Private.  Wounded  in  action  at  Kesaca,  Ga.,  May 
14,  '64,  and  promoted  on  the  field  for  bravery.  Address 
—Long  Lake,  Hennepin  county.  Minnesota. 

Corporal  James  Waterman.  Mustered  in  as  Private,  and 
promoted. 

Musician  Cyrus  H.  Boyd.  Member  of  Regimental  Band  from 
its  organization  until  his  discharge.  Best  drummer  in 
the  corps.  Residence,  Peoria,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

Andrew  T.  Allen.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  'G2,  Wounded  in  action 
near  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga.,  June  23.  '64.  Now  dead. 

Oloff  Anderson.     Address — Cambridge,  Henry  county.  111. 

John  1).  Bennett.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Captured  near 
Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  '23,  '63.  Paroled  next  day.  ;  ex 
changed  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  company  at  Bean's  Sta 
tion,  in  E.  Tenn..  Dec-.  14,  '63.  Slightly  wounded  in 
action  at  Ctoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  (la.,  Aug.  6,  '64. 
Address — Atkinson,  Henry  county,  111. 

John  Ball.     Address — Chirinda,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

David  Burger.  Enlisted  Aug.  21,  '62.  Address  — Altoona, 
Blair  county,  Penn. 

James  W.  Byers.     Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62. 

John  Curch.     Address — Atkinson,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

Edward  Garrett.  Wounded  in  action  at  Bean's  Station,  E. 
Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63. 

Andrew  .Johnson.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '  62.  Address— Friend, 
Saline  county,  Nebraska. 

Martin  F.  Knapper.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Captured  near 
Athens,  Tenn.,  Sept.  27,  '63.  Escaped  from  Anderson- 
vilie,  but  recaptured  with  blood  hounds.  Paroled  near. 
Yicksburg,  Miss.,  April  8,  '65.  Never  exchanged,  lie- 
joined  company  at  Chicago,  and  discharged  with  his 
company  July  6,  '65.  Discharge  dated  June  20,  '65  as 
at  Greensboro,  N.  C.  Address — Warren,  Marshall  coun 
ty,  Minnesota. 

Jeremiah  Murphy.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62,  Address — Humboldt 
Allen  county,  Kansas. 

Adelbert  Newman.     Enlisted  Aug.   14,    '62.     Wounded  in  ac- 


390  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

tion  near  Kenesaw  Mt.,  Ga.,  Jane  27,    '64.     Address — 
Clear  Water,  Antelope  county,  Nebraska. 

LaFayette  Piatt.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '(52.  Address -Green- 
vale,  Dallas  county,  Iowa. 

Robert  Piatt.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '(52.  Address— Greenvale, 
Dallas  county,  Iowa. 

Charles  Pierce.     Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62. 

John  Peterson.    Address — Grand  Junction,  Greene  Co.,  Iowa. 

George  Ritchie.  Enlisted  Aug.  0,  '62.  Accidentally  wounded 
at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec.  27,  '62 — slipped  and  fell,  while 
on  guard,  gun  was  discharged,  and  lost  linger.  Cap 
tured  near  Strawberry  Plains,  Term.,  on  the  Saunders 
Raid,  in  June,  '68.  Paroled  July  11,  at  Richmond,  Ya. ; 
exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  company  at  Bean's 
Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63.  Residence,  Marysville, 
Nodaway  county,  Missouri. 

Charles  Smith.  Enlisted  Aug.  9,  '62.  Brigade  Blacksmith 
while  regiment  was  mounted.  Address — Galva,  Henry 
county,  111. 

August  T.  Sniggs,  Enlisted  when  only  15  years  old  and  wrs 
in  every  battle  and  skirmish  of  the  regiment.  Wound 
ed  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Address — 
McPherson.  McPherson  county,  Kansas. 

James  Stearnes.     Enlisted  Aug.  7,  '62. 

Alfred  Swanson.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Address — Orion, 
Henry  county,  111. 

George  Sutch.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Address — Morristown, 
Henry  county,  111. 

George  Terry.     Enlisted  Aug.  9,  '62. 

Joseph  Tomlinson.     Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62. 

Amos  Thompson.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Captured  near 
Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  28,  '68.  Paroled  next  day;  ex 
changed  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  company  at  Bean's  Sta 
tion,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14.  '68.  Address— Redfield,  Dal 
las,  county,  Iowa. 

Richard  M.  Thompson.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Address- 
Cambridge.  Henry  county,  111. 

John  Wade.  Enlisted  Aug.  9,  '62.  Address — Wrayville, 
Rock  Island  county.  111. 

ABSENT. 

First  Sergeant  William  K.  Wight.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62. 
Mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Promoted  March  81,  '68. 
Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Kelly'sJFord,  on  French 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  H.  391 

Broad  River,  E.  Term.,  Jan.  28,  '64.  Discharged  at 
hospital  in  Quincy,  111.,  by  reason  of  wounds,  June  22, 
'65.  Walked  with  crutches  three  years  after  wounded. 
Address — Cambridge,  Henry  county,  Illinois. 
Private  John  Gattlander.  Enlisted  Aug.  2'2.  '(52.  Captured 
while  sick  in  hospital  at  Danville,  Ky.,  March  24,  '63. 
Paroled  and  sent  to  Benton  Barracks,  at  St.  Louis? 
Mo. — Absent  sick.  Discharged  at  Indianapolis,  Ind., 
June  30,  '65.  "Died  since  the  war. 

PREVIOUSLY    DISCHARGED. 

Second  Lieutenant  Elisha  Atwater.  Enrolled  Aug.  14,  '62. 
Mustered  in  as  Second  Lieut.  Resigned  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  March  80,  '63,  by  reason  of  disability.  Died  in 
Munson,  Henry  county,  111.,  Jan.  15,  '84. 

Sergeant  Simon  N.  Smith.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Discharg 
ed  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  15,  '63— disability.  Address 
— Redtield,  Dallas  county,  Iowa. 

Sergeant  John  P.  Conrad.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Corporal.  Promoted  Jan.  16,  '63.  Discharged 
at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.  22,  '63 — disability.  Died  at 
Green  River,  Henry  county.  111.,  soon  after  discharged. 

Corporal  John  H.  Nye.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Nov. 
10,  '62 — disability.  Died  at  Cambridge,  Henry  county, 
111.,  Eeb.  15,  '64." 

Corporal  Andrew  T.  W.  Chalmers.  Enlisted  Aug.  21,  '62. 
Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63 ; 
and  again  at  Resaca,  Ga,,  May  14,  '64.  Discharged 
June  14,  '65. 

Corporal  Joseph  L.  Sible.  Discharged  at  Louisville,  Ky., 
June  10,  '65.  Died  of  disease  contracted  in  the  service 
at  Harrisb urg,  Pa.,  April,  1874. 

Musician  Robert  Olmstead.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
May  11,  '65 — disability.  Address— Gen  3seo,  Hemy 
county,  Illinois. 

PRIVATES 

John  M.  Erie-son.     Wounded   in   action   at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May 

14,  '64.     Discharged   at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  June  6,  '65. 

Residence — Chicago,  Illinois. 
Peter  Hoist.     Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.     Discharged  June  8,  '65. 

Murdered  at  Orion,  Henry  county,  111.,  Oct.  17,  '67. 
Charles  H.  Harris.     Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Eeb.  '63 — 

disability. 


392  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

John  C.  Johnson.     Enlisted   Aug.  18,    '62.     Discharged  June 

9,  '65.     Returned  to  Sweden. 
Peter  Johnson.     Discharged   at   Lexington,    Ky.,  April,  '63 — 

disability.     Address — Victoria,  Knox  county,  111. 
Dennis  S.    Lewis.      Enlisted   Aug.   22,    '62.      Discharged   at 

Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.   15,    V>3.     Address — Moline,  Rock 

Island  county,  111. 
Daniel  Middaugh.     Enlisted  in    Co.  C,  Aug.  15  ;  mustered  in 

Co.  H.     Discharged    at   Camp   Burnside,  Milledgeville, 

Ky.,  April,    '63 — disability.      Afterwards   employed   as 

teamster  at  brigade  headquarters.     Died  at  Cambridge, 

Henry  county,  111.,  Feb.,  '(5/5. 
Robert  Stackhouse.     Discharged  at   Lexington,   Ky.,  Jan.  15, 

'63— disability.     Died  at  Ulah.  Henry  county,  111.,  since 

the  war. 
Robert  H.  Vining.     Recruit.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March 

19,  '64,  for  three  years.     Joined  the   company   on  Pine 

Mt.,  Ga.,  June  16,  '64.     Wounded   on   the  morning   of 

June  17,  '64 — -mimiie  ball  through  leg — leg   amputated 
-and    discharged    Feb.    19,   '65.      Residence — Clyde, 

Cloud  county,  Kansas. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Joseph  C.  Baird.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62,  in  Co.  1).  Mustered 
in  as  Private  of  Co.  H.  Appointed  Sergeant  Major  of 
.the  Regiment  Oct.  3,  '62.  See  Non-commissioned  Staff. 

George  Bernard.  Enlisted  Aug.  9,  '62,  in  Co.  D.  Mustered 
in  as  Private  of  Co.  H.  Appointed  Q.  M.  Sergeant  of 
the  Regiment  Oct.  3,  '62.  See  Non-commissioned  Staff. 

James  A.  Small.  Enlisted  Aug.  21,  '62,  in  Co.  K.  Mustered 
in  as  of  Co.  H  and  transferred  back  to  K,  Nov.  1,  '62. 
See  Co.  K. 

Privates,  Peter  C.  Johnson,  Charles  McComsey,  Aaron  Ridle, 
Henry  S.  Stone,  Frank  A.  Stone,  Jesse  B.  Taylor, 
Carlos. B.  Thorpe,  Olof  N.  Younquist,  enlisted  in  Co. 
F.  Mustered  in  as  of  Co.  H,  and  transferred  back  to 
F,  Nov.  1,  '62.  See  Co.  F. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  VETERAN  RESERVE  CORPS. 

John  Like.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Transferred  Nov.,  '64. 
Address — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Sergeant  Abel  M.  Randall.  Killed  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga., 
May  14,  '64.  No  record  of  burial.  See  note  a. 


KOSTER  OF  COMPANY  H.  393 

Sergeant  Alonzo  B.  Stetson.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Muster 
ed  in  as  Corporal.  Promoted  March  31,  '63.  Killed  in 
action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  On  duty  as 
Color  Guard  when  killed.  No  record  of  burial.  See 
note  c. 

Wagoner  Charles  Rothwerler.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Died 
at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Aug.  15,  '64.  Buried  in  the  Na 
tional  Cemetery  at  Knoxville.  No.  of  Grave  1,150. 

John  A.  Alexander.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '62.  Died  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  Jan.  4,  '64.  Buried  in  National  Cemetery  at 
Madison,  near  Nashvi%.  No.  of  Gnive  7,401. 

Thomas  J.  Bennett.  Recruit ;  enlisted  and  mustered  in  March 
3,  '65,  for  one  year.  Died  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  June 
15,  '65.  No  record  of  buried. 

Hans  Carnutson.  Enlisted  Aug.  21,  '62.  Died  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  Nov.,  '62.  Buried  on  Government  Lot  in  Lexing 
ton  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave  141.  See  note  d. 

Noah  B.  Denton.  Enlisted  Aug.  !),  '62.  Died  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  22,  '63.  One  report  states  that  he  was  dis 
charged  a  few  days  before  his  death.  Remains  removed 
and  interred  in  'the  National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville,, 
Feb.  1,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  452. 

Alfred  Hamilton.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Eeb.  23, 
'63.  Paroled  next  day,  and  sent  to  Benton  Barracks, 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where  he  died  April  10,  '63.  Xo  record 
of  number  of  grave. 

Peter  Hoen.  Enlisted  Aug.  22.  Captured  in  action  at  Knox 
ville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Died  in  Aiidersonville  Prison 
Aug.  19.  '64.  No.  of  Grave  (5,117. 

Lorenzo  P.  Howard.  Enlisted  Aug.  22.  Died  in  Field  Hos 
pital  near  Dallas.  Ga.,  June  (5,  'H4.  No  record  of  place 
of  burial. 

Jolm  Johnson.  Enlisted  Aug.  14.  Run  over  by  railroad  cars 
at  Washington,  I).  C.,  Jan.  25,  '65 — right  arm  amputat 
ed.  Died  in  hospital  at  Washington,  Feb.  16,  '65.  No 
record  of  place  of  burial. 

Henry  C.  Lewis.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  April,  '63.  Buried 
on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of 
Grave,  404. 

George  H.  McKee.  Enlisted  Aug.  22.  Wounded  in  action  at 
Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Died  of  wounds  at  Nash 
ville,  Tenn.,  June  10,  '64.  No  record  of  burial. 

—29 


394  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Nels  Nelson.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Nov.  '02.  Remains  re 
moved  to  Henry  county,  111.,  Dec.  4,  '62. 

Gustav  Olson.  Killed— fell  from  an  army  wagon,  which  ran 
over  and  crushed  his  head — near  Camp  Nelson,  Ky., 
April  9,  '64.  No  record  of  burial. 

Albert  J.  Beinour.  Captured  near  Athens,  Tenn.,  Sept.  27, 
'68.  Died  in  Anderson ville  Prison  June  8,  '64.  No.  of 
Giave  1,729. 

Enoch  Boss.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Died  of  wounds  at  Marietta,  Ga., 
Aug.  24,  '64.  Buried  in  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta. 
No.  of  Grave  7,463,  in  Section  G. 


DESERTED 

Corporal  Peter  A.  Dean.     Deserted  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March 

22,  1808. 
Private  William  G.  Kelly.     Deserted   at    Camp   Nelson,    Ky., 

July  28,  '63. 
Private  William  B.  Thomas.     Absent  on  furlough   dated  May 

3,  '64 — never  returned. 


PRIVATES— 

Recruits  transferred  to  Co.  F,  65th  Beg.  111.  Yols.  (consolidat 
ed)  June  20,  1865. 

Mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  July  13,18(55. 

Henry  C.  Cooper.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  3,  '65, 
for  one  year.  Appointed  Corporal  of  Co.  F,  65th  111. 

John  H.  Cunningham.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  3, 
'65,  for  one  year. 

Thomas  J.  Martin.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  May  23,  '64, 
for  three  years.  Conscript  in  rebel  army — deserted  and 
joined  the  Union  army — Appointed  Corporal  of  Co.  F, 
65th  111.  Newspaper  editor  in  Arkansas. 

James  Piatt.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  9,  '64,  for 
three  years.  Address — Greenvale,  Dallas  county,  Iowa. 

Benjamin  Roach.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  May  23,  '64,  for 
three  years.  Conscript  in  rebel  army — deserted  and 
joined  the  Union  army — Mustered  out  of  65th  111.,  to 
date  Mav  18,  '65. 


KOSTER  OF  COMPANY  E.  395 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  42 

Absent,  2 

Previously  Discharged,  16 
Transferred  to  Non-com,  staff  and  other  companies,   11 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  1 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  17 

Deserted,  3 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  65th  111.,  5 

Total,  97 


COMPANY  E. 

Enrolled  at   Wyoming,  Stark  County,  111.,  in  August,  1862. 

Organized  August  12,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  Aug.  12,  1862. 
Mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  June  20,  1865: 

Captain  Sylvester  F.  Otman.  Enrolled  Aug.  11,  and  muster 
ed  in  Sept.  20,  '62,  as  Captain.  Commanded  the  regi 
ment  on  the  march  from  Knoxville,  Term.,  to  Mt.  Ster 
ling,  Ky,,  in  Feb.  '64.  Also  commanded  the  regiment, 
after  Lieut.  Col.  Bond  was  wounded,  in  the  battle  of 
Franklin,  Term.,  and  in  -the  two  days  battle  of  Nash 
ville,  and  until  Jan.  14,  '65.  Acting  Assistant  Inspect 
or  General  of  3d  Brig.  3d  Div.  23d  Corps,  Army  of  the 
Ohio,  on  Gen.  Henderson's  staff,  from  Jan.  80,  '65,  un 
til  mustered  out.  Residence,  Wyoming,  Stark  county, 
Illinois. 

First  Lieut.  Cramner  W.  Brown.  Enrolled  Aug.  12.  and  mus 
tered  in  Sept.  20,  '62,  as  First  Lieut.  Acting  Adjutant 
of  the  regiment  from  Nov.  24,  '63,  to  March  7,  '64.  Was 
offered  the  adjutancy  permanently  but  declined  it. 
Commanded  the  company  from  Nov.  80,  '64,  until  mus 
tered  out.  Address — Castleton,  Stark  county,  111. 

First  Sergeant  Henry  Graves.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Pro 
moted  April  1,  '63.  Commissioned  Second  Lieut.  June 
15,  '65,  but  not  mustered.  Wounded  in  action  near 
Philadelphia,  E.  Tenn.,  Oct.  26,  '63  ;  and  again  at  Utoy 


896  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Creek,  near    Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  0,  '64.     Address— Oak 
land,  Pottawattamie  county,  Iowa. 

Sergeant  Peter  M.  Swords.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  April  1,  '68.  Died  in  April,  '67. 

Sergeant  James  I).  Bloomer.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  to  Corporal  Nov.  10,  '68;  to  Sergeant  April  1, 
'64.  Address — Hebron,  Thayer  county,  Nebraska. 

Sergeant  Michael  Hire.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
to  Corporal  Oct.  81,  '(''2  ;  to  Sergeant  Nov.  19,  '64.  Ad 
dress —  Baraboo,  Sank  county,  Wisconsin. 

Corporal  Douglas  M.  Crone.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  April  1,  '68.  Address— Wyoming,  Stark  county. 
Illinois. 

Corporal  Cyrus  C.  Snare.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Private.  Promoted  April  1,  '64.  Wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Besaca,  Ga..  May  14,  ?64.  Address — Delavan, 
Eari-bault  county,  Minnesota. 

Corporal  Sidney  1).  Butler.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promot 
ed  Nov.  19,  '64.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Resaca, 
Ga.,  May  14,  '64  ;  and  again  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlan 
ta,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Address — E:,sex,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  John  Oldaker.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
Dec.  25,  '64.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Term.,  Nov.  17,  '68,  and  seven  months  in  hospital.  Be 
sides  in  Cherokee  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  Andrew  J.  Fantz.  Mustered  in  as  Private,  and  pro 
moted.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston  Riv- 
er,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '68.  Exchanged  and  rejoined 
company  in  the  summer  of  '64.  Address — Duncan 
Stark  county.  111. 

Corporal  Ananias  Timmons.  Mustered  in  as  Private,  and 
promoted.  Address — Wyoming,  Stark  county,  111. 

Corporal  David  S.  Miller.  Mustered  in  as  Private  and  pro 
moted.  Reported  dead. 

Corporal  Charles  H.  Hall.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Private  and  promoted. 

PRIVATES 

Timothy  Bailey.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Reduced  to  the 
ranks  Oct.  81,  '62,  at  his  own  request.  Address — Bay 
Center,  Pacific  county,  Washington  Terr. 

Gershom  A.  Bunnell.     Address — Osceola,  Clark  county,  Iowa.  * 
James  E.  Bush.     Residence — Beatrice,  Gage  county,  Neb. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  E.  897 

Elijah  Cox.  Enlisted  Aug.  20,  '62.  Address— Odell,  Page 
comity,  Nebraska. 

Absalom  J.  Cooper.  Enlisted  Aug.  18,  '62.  Address— Maroa, 
Ma  con  county,  Illinois. 

John  Dawson.     Address— Stark,  Stark  county,  Illinois. 

Newton  Dollison.     Address — Milo,  Warren  county,  Iowa. 

Wallace  W.  Emanuel.  Enlisted  Aug.  21,  '62.  Address— Craw- 
fordsville,  Montgomery  county,  Indiana. 

Eugene  Hunt.     Address — Kewanee,  Henry  county,  Illinois.    . 

William  Holgate.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Captured  at  Park's 
Ferry,  on  the  Holston  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63. 
Exchanged  at  City  Point,  Va.,  April  1/5,  '64.  Rejoined 
the  company  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  -July  28,  '64.  Severely 
wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga., 
Aug.  6,  '64.  Absent,  by  reason  of  wounds,  until  Dec.  1, 
'64,  when  rejoined  company  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  Resi 
dence — Wyoming,  Stark  county,  Illinois. 

Curwin  A.  McCoy. 

Jonas  Stronburg.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Slightly  wounded  in 
action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64. 
Address — LaFayette,  Stark  county,  Illinois. 

Henry  Soper.     Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.     Died  Sept.  9.  78. 

Philip  M.  Trapp.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Address—  Palmyra, 
Otoe  county,  Nebraska. 

Josiah  F.  Umbaugh.     Address — Ottumwa,  Wapello  Co.,  Iowa. 

Ancil  H.  Woodcock.     Address— Wyoming,  Stark  county,  111. 

ABSENT. 

Jonathan  Graves.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston 
River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63.  Escaped  from  rebel  pris 
on  at  Florence,  B.C.,  in  Feb.  '65,  and  entered  the  Union 
lines  at  Newbern,  N.  C.  Never  rejoined  company.  Dis 
charged  at  Chicago,  111.,  July  10,  '65.  Address— Quit- 
man,  Nodaway  county,  Missouri. 

Stephen  W.  Green.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Hols 
ton  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63.  Exchanged  in  Feb., 
'65.  Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  at  Spring 
field,  111.,  July?,  '65.  Address — Panora,  Guthrie  county, 
Iowa. 

David  Kerns.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston  Riv 
er,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63.  Exchanged  at  Aiken's Land 
ing,  on  the  James  River,  Va.,  in  Feb.  '65.  Never  re 
joined  company.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111..  July 
7,  '65.  Address — Plain ville,  Rooks  county,  Kansas. 


898  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

Calvin  B.  Lashells.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  On  detached  ser 
vice  in  General  Hospital  at  Lexington,  Ky.  Address- 
Biggs,  Butte  county,  California. 

William  J.  Morgan.  Enlisted  Aug.  IB,  '62.  Beported  "ab 
sent  sick." 

William  H.  Morgan.  Enlisted  Aug.  18,  '62.  Captured  at 
Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Hoist  on  liiver,  E.  Term.,  Nov.  16, 
'68.  Exchanged  March  1,  '65.  Never  rejoined  compa 
ny.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  July  1,  '65. 

George  W.  Nicholas.     Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Hols- 
ton  River,  E.  Term.,  Nov.  16,  '68.  Escaped  near  Wilming 
ton,  N.  C.,  Feb.  22,  '65.     Never  rejoined  company.  Dis 
charged   at    Springfield,    111.,    July   1,    '65.     Address — 
Quitman,  Nodaway  county,  Missouri. 

Joseph  Sparks.  Enlisted  Aug.  18,  '62.  Wounded  in  action 
at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River,  E.  Term., 
Jan.  28,.  '64,  and  again  at  U toy  Creek,  near  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Discharged  at  Quincy,  111.,  June  22, 
'65.  Died  in  Harrison  county,  Missouri. 

PREVIOUSLY:  DISCHAIWKD. 

First  Sergeant  Henry  J.  Otman.  Discharged  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  April  1,  '68,  by  reason  of  disability.  Killed  by  his 
team  running  away  at  Toulon,  in  Jan.,  '67. 

Sergeant  John  E.  Gharrett.  Enlisted  Aug.  18,  '62.  Slightly 
wounded  in  action  at  Kaoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '68, 
Discharged  in  March,  '64,  to  accept  commission  as 
Captain  in  First  Begt.  U.  S.  Heavy  Artillery.  Address 
— Missoula,  Missoula  county,  Montana  Terr. 

Sergeant  John  B.  Pettit.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Promot 
ed  April  1,  '68.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  Feb.  17, 
'65.  Address— Blair,  Washington  county,  Nebraska. 

Sergeant  Carey  G.  Colburn.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  Aug.,  '68.  Captured  at  Athens,  Tenn.,  Sept.  27, 
*'63.  Exchanged  March  1,  '65.  Never  rejoined  compa 
ny.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111..  May  26,  '65.  Re 
sidence,  Wyoming,  Staik  county,  111. 

Corporal  James  B.  Blackmore.  Discharged  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  May  17,  '65.  Address — Spring  Hill,  Johnson 
county,  Kansas. 

Corporal  David  Fast.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  Oct.  29, 
'64 — disability.  Address — Irwin,  Barton  county,  Mo. 

Wagoner  John  D.  Martin.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111., 
May  29,  '65.  Address — Page  Center,  Page  county,  Iowa. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  E.  399 


PRIVATES. 

Michael  Alderman.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  IS, 
'68 — disability.  Address — Duncan,  Stark  county,  111. 

Alfred  B.  Armstrong.  Enlisted  Aug.  22,  '62.  Discharged  at 
Lexington,  Ivy.,  Jan.  21,  '68, — disability.  Address- 
Wyoming,  Stark  county,  111. 

Jerry  H.  Bailey.  Captured  at  Danville,  Ky.,  while  sick  in  hos 
pital,  March  28,  '68;  paroled,  and  afterwards  exchang 
ed.  Wounded  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64. 
Discharged  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Jan.  4,  '65, — disability. 

William  T.  Carter.  Discharged  at  David's  Island,  X.  Y.,  May 
81,  '65, — disability.  Address — Home,  Peoria  county,  111. 

William  Col  well.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  April  18,  '68, 
— disability.  Died  one  week  af  er  ILS  return  home. 

William  A.  Ellis.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  -Ian.  23,  '63 
— disability.  Address — Udell,  Gage  county,  Nebraska] 

Shepard  Green.  Discharged  at  Camp  Butler,  Springfield,  111., 
May  12,  '65.  Address — Orient,  Adair  county,  Iowa.  . 

John  Harvey.  Discharged  at  Camp  Nelstm.  Ky.,  Sept.  19,  '64, 
— disability.  Address — Wyoming,  Stark  county,  111. 

Charles  W.  Hart.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Captured  at  Park's 
Ferry,  on  the  Holston  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63. 
Exchanged  March  1,  '65.  Never  rejoined  company. 
Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  June  5,  '65. 

lliley  Maranville.  Wounded  -in  action  at  Mud  Creek,  near 
New  Hope  Church,  Ga.,  June  17,  '64.  Discharged  by 
reason  of  wounds,  May  30,  '65. 

John  McCoy.  Discharged  at  Camp  Nelson,  Ivy.,  April  22,  '64, 
disability. 

Sylvester  H.  Stofer.  Wounded  at  Harrodsburg,  Ky.,  July  20, 
'63.  Discharged  by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Camp  Nelson, 
Ky.,  Nov.  '63. 

Thaddeus  S.  Thurston.  Wounled  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga., 
May  14,  '64.  Discharged  on  account  of  wounds,  at 
Quincy,  111.,  Dec.  16,  '64.  Died  in  Harrison  county, 
Missouri. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Second  Lieut.  Elmer  A.  Sage.  Enrolled  Aug.  12,  '62,  and 
mustered  in  as  Second  Lieut.  Absent  from  regiment 
from  June,  '64,  to  May,  '65.  Transferred  to  Co.  F,  65th 
Reg.  111.  Vol.  Inf  t  (consolidated)  June  20,  '65,  and  pro- 


400  :  HISTOBY  OF  TEtE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

moted  to  First  Lieut.  Mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N. 
C.,  July  18,  '65. 

Joel  Cox.  Transferred  to  V.  K.  C.  Died  in  Cass  county, 
Nebraska,  since  the  war. 

David  Dawson.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  Sept.  11,  '63.  Dis 
charged  in  June,  '65.  Died- at  Dayton,  Webster  county, 
Iowa,  Oct.  9,  '84. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Sergeant  Solomon  Dixon.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the 
Holston  River,  E.  Term.,  Nov.  16,  '63.  Died  in  rebel 
prison  at  Richmond,  Ya.,  March  1,  '64.  No  record  of 
place  of  burial.  See  note  f. 

Sergeant  Charles  B.  Hitchcock.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Remains  re"- 
moved  and  interred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Mari 
etta,  Ga.  No.  of  Grave,  5,307,  in  Section  F." 

Corporal  "William  G.  Wilkinson.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
Nov.  8,  '62.  Remains  sent  home  for  burial  by  the  com 
pany. 

Corporal  William  W.  McMillen.  Captured  at  Athens,  Term., 
Sept.  27,  '63.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Andersonville, 
Ga,,  May  24,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  1,337. 

PRIVATES. 

David  Barrett.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.  7,  '63.  Buried 
on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of 
Grave  239.  See  note  d. 

William  B.  Barr.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston 
River,  E.  Term.,  Nov.  16,  '63.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at 
Andersonville,  April  13,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  526. 

John  Cole.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston  River, 
E.  Tenii.,  Nov.  16,  '63.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Ander 
sonville,  April  2,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  300. 

Thomas  Colwell.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  of  typhoid  pneu 
monia,  Jan.  9,  '63.  Buried  on  Government  Lot  in  Lex 
ington  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave  204. 

Charles  B.  Davis.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston 
River,  E.  Tenn..  Nov.  16,  '63.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at 
Andersonville,  Sept.  12,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  8,553. 

James  Elston.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Captured  at  Park's 
Ferry,  on  the  Holston  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63. 
Died  in  Andersonville  Prison,  June  21,  '64.  No.  of 
Grave  2,249. 

Whitfield  Evans.  Captured  in  Kentucky  in  the  summer  of  '63, 
and  paroled.  Parole  not  recognized,  and  returned  to 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  E.  401 

his  company  for  duty,  by  order  of  Dept.  Commander, 
without  being  exchanged.  Again  captured  at  Athens, 
Term.,  Sept.  27,  '63,  and  fearing  he  might  be  accused 
of  having  violated  his  former  parole,  gave  the  name  of 
"John  Uobinson,"  and  was  known  by  the  rebels  by  that 
name.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Danville,  Ya,,  March 
21,  '(>4,  and  his  death  rec^-'-ied  as  that  of  John  Robin 
son.  Buried  in  the  Nark.:ial  Cemetery  at  Danville. 
No.  of  Grave  64(5. 

Noah  Fantz.  Captured  at  Park's  rerry,  on  the  Holston  Riv 
er,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '63,  -Vdj't  Gen's  Reports  report 
him  as  having  died  in  ru;  i  prison  at  Anderson ville, 
April  IS,  '64.  The  Supt.  <  :  National  Cemetery  at  Aii- 
dersonville  reports  that  he  cannot  iinel  this  name  on 
prison  records.  He  reports  "Thomas  Jones  of  Co.  E, 
112th  111— died  April  '20,  'C4;  No.  of  Grave  C44."  As 
there  was  no  "Thomas  Jones''  in  the  regiment  it  may 
be  that  Fantz  assumed  the  name  of  Jones  when  captur 
ed,  and  that  No.  (544  is  his  grave. 

Madiras  Hoover.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  April,  '63.  Bur 
ied  on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No. 
of  Grave  382. 

William  Herridge.  Enlisted  Aug.  19,  '62.  Mortally  wounded 
by  explosion  of  gunpowder  ;K  Lebanon.  Ky.,  .July  9,  '63. 
Died  -July  15,  X53,  and  burio  1  in  the  National  Cemetery 
at  Lebanon.  No.  of  Grave  175. 

George  0.  Marlatt.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Captured  at 
Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16. 
'63.  Reported  as  having  died  in  rebel  prison  at  Rich 
mond,  Feb.  18,  '64  ;  but  the  Supt.  of  National  Cemetery 
at  Richmond  reports  that  lie  cannot  tind  this  name  on 
the  prison  records.  See  note  f. 

Simon  Ray.  Enlisted  Aug.  20,  '(12,  Captured  at  Park's  Fer 
ry,  on  the  Holston  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  T>o.  Died 
in  rebel  prison  at  Richmond,  Va.,  April  1*2.  '(54.  See 
note  f . 

James  Ray.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston  River, 
E.  Term.,  Nov.  16,  '(13.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Rich 
mond,  Va.,  March  11,  '(U.  See  note  f. 

William  Ray.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston 
River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  IB,  '(i3.  Exchanged  and  died  a 
few  days  after  in  hospital  at  Baltimore,  Mel.,  June  30, 
'(J4.  No  record  of  burial. 

John  W.  Ratcliffe.  Died  of  typhoid  fever  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
—30 


402  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Jan.  7,  '(53.     Buried  on  Government.!   Lot    in  Lexington 
Cemetery.     No.  of  Grave  '208. 

William  E.  L.  Smith.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Nov.  '22,  '62. 
Buriea  on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery. 
No.  of  Grave  114. 

Michael  Springer.  Captured  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston 
River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16,  '68.  Died  in  Anderson ville 
prison  June  6,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  1,667. 

John  D.  Swaim.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Captured  at 
Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston  River,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16, 
'63.  Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Richmond,  Va.,  March  7, 
'64.  No  record  of  place  of  burial.  See  note  f. 

Francis  M.  Soliars.  Recruit ;  enlisted  and  mustered  in  March 
81,  '64,  for  three  years.  Died  at  Springfield,  111.,  June 
18,  '64.  No  record  of  place  of  burial. 

David  P.  Wandling.  Mortally  wounded — shot  through  hips-w 
in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  17,  '63,  diet)  next 
day.  Remains  removed  and  interred  in  the  National 
Cemetery  at  Knoxville,  Feb.  1,  64.  No.  of  Grave  451. 

Russell  White.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec.  7,  '62.  Buried 
on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of 
Grave  166. 

DESERTED 

Musician  William  Cassett.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Deserted 
at  Danville,  Ky.,  July  15,  '63. 

Private  Henry  Greenewald.  Deserted,  while  on  detached  du 
ty  working  in  Government  blacksmith -shop,  at  Lexing 
ton,  Ky.,  in  May,  '63. 

Private  Lawis  Hiback.     Deserted  at  Danville,  Ky.,  July  15,  '63. 

Private  Frank  Pioss.  Deserted  at  Danville,  Ky.,  July  15,  '63. 

PRIVATES — 

Recruits  transferred  to  Co.  F,  65th  Reg.  111.  Vol.  Inf't  (consol 
idated)  June  20,  1865. 

Mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  July  13,  1865. 

William  W.  Copley.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  24,  '65, 
for  one  year.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster-out  of 
65th.  -Address — Walnut,  Patterson  county,  Iowa. 

Daniel  Colbran.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  24,  '65,  for 
one  year.  Address — Aledo,  Mercer  county,  Illinois. 

Gordan  H.  Edgerton.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  24,  '65, 
for  one  year.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster-out  of 
65th.  Address — Ayr,  Adams  county,  Nebraska. 


KOSTER  OF  COMPANY  E.  403 

James  L.  Fox.     Enlisted    and   mustered  in  March  21.  '64,  for 

three  years. 
Morris  C.  Lampsoii.     Veteran  ;  enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec. 

'24,  '63,  for  three   years.     Wounded   in   action    at   Flat 

Creek,    in   E.    Term.,  Jan.  26,  '64.     Reported  "absent" 

at  muster-out  of  65th.     Mysteriously   disappeared  from 

his  home  in  Wyoming,    111.,    several  years  ago,  and  not 

since  heard  from. 
Adam  Rush.     Veteran;    enlisted   and  mustered  i»  March  31, 

'64,  for  three  years. 
George  Rush.     Enlisted   March   25,    mustered   in   March  81, 

'64,  for  three  years. 
Jacob  Stoves.     Enlisted   and   mustered   in  March  21,  '6-1,  for 

three  years.     Address — Hopkins,  Nodaway  Co.,  Me. 
James  M.  Taskett.     Enlisted   and   mustered   in  April  25,  '64, 

for  three  years.     Address — Pulaski,    Davis   county,  la. 
Anson  Tanner.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in  April  25,  '64,  for 

three  years.     Froze  to  death  in  '71. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  80 

Absent,  S 

Previously  Discharged,  20 

Transferred,  8 
Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  (18  in  rebel  prisons)      25 

Deserted,  4 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  65th  111.,  10 


Total,  100 


COMPANY  K. 

Enrolled  at   (ieneseo,    Henry  County,   111.,  in  August,  1862. 

Organized  August  14,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  Aug.  14,  1862. 
Mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  June  20,  1865: 

Captain  Edward  H.  Colcord.     Enrolled  Aug.  ID,  and    muster 
ed  in  as  Second  Lieut.  Sept.  20,  '62.    Promoted  to  First 


404  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Lieut.  Jan.  31,  and  to  Captain  April  1*2,  'OB.  Wounded 
in  bowels,  severely,  and  in  hand  slightly,  in  action  at 
Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  0,  '04.  Always  in 
command  rf  company  except  while  disabled  by  wounds. 
Residence,  Vint  on,  B'-nhm  county,  Iowa. 

First  Lieu\  Jacob  Bush.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '02,  and  muster 
ed  in  as  First  Sergeant.  Promoted  to  Second  Lieut, 
•hiii.  81,  and  to  First  Lieut.  April  12,  '08.  Wounded  in 
action  at  Knoxvjlle,  Temi.,  Nov.  18,  '(53.  Acting  Q.  M. 
of  regiment  from  May  2o  to  Nov.  3,  '04.  Aid-de-camp 
on  den.  Henderson's  staff,  2d  Brig.  1st  Div.  Cav.  Corps, 
Army  of  the  v  hio,  from  March  5  to  April  8,  '04.  Resi 
dence,  Lincoln,  Nebraska. 

Second  Lieut.  Samuel  W.  Weaver.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '02, 
and  mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Promoted  to  Second 
Lieut  June  29,  to  rank  from  April  12,  '08.  Wounded  in 
action  at  Bean's  Sta'non,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '03.  Ad 
dress — Marcus,  Cherokee  county,  Iowa.  % 

First  Sergeant  Edward  S.  Persons.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant. 
Promoted  April  12,  '03.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at 
rtoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  0,  '04.  Address — 
Sycamore,  De  Kalb  county,  111. 

Sergeant  Milton  Mill.     Address — Lyons,  Rice  county,  Kansa:,. 

Sergeant  George  S.  Brackey.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Pro 
moted  April  12,  '08.  Residence,  St.  Joseph,  Missouri. 

Sergeant  Charles  l:aum.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
to  Corporal  in  March,  and  to  Sergeant  Sept.  1,  '04. 
Address — -Colona,  Henry  county,  111. 

Corporal  Thomas  Cherry.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '02.  Injured  by 
fall  of  his  horse  April,  '08.  Address — Geneseo,  Henry 
county,  111. 

Corporal  Martin  Bartlett.  r'nliste  1  Aug.  11,  '02.  Mustered 
in  as  Private.  Promoted  Jan.  81,  '03. 

C  )rp oral  Henry  H.  Joles.  Enlisted  Aug.  2:>,  '02.  Mustered  in 
as  Private.  Promoted  Jan.  31,  '08.  Adlress — Pink 
Prairie,  Henry  county,  111. 

Corporal  Abram  Neisweudev.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Muster 
ed  in  as  Private.  Promoted  Sept.  1,  '04. 

Corporal  George  Harbaugh.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  Sept.  1,  '04.  Died  at  Geneseo,  111.,  June  17,  '69. 

Corporal  Michael  Delhanity.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  Sept.  1,  '04. 

Corporal  Lewis  H.  Detternian.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '02.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  Jan.  25,  '05.  Captured 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  K.  405 

at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63,  and  paroled  on  the  field. 
Paroles  not  recognized,  and  returned  to  company  for 
duty,  without  exchange,  by  order  of  Dept.  Commander. 
Address — Tecuinseh,  Johnson  county,  Nebraska. 
Wagoner  Henry  S.  Humphrey.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '02,  and 
mustered  in  as  wagoner.  Relieved,  and  reported  to 
company  for  duty  in  the  ranks.  Ruptured  in  right  side, 
building  breast-works  on  the  Atlanta  campaign,  and 
returned  to  duty  as  teamster.  Address — Corn) ill,  Alle- 
gan  county,  Michigan. 

PRIVATES. 

John  Adams.  Enlisted  Ar.g.  15,  '02.  Wounded  in  action  at 
Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  3J,  '01.  Address — Waterloo, 
Black  Hawk  county,  Iowa. 

Job  Bartlett.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxvilie,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
18,  and  again  at  Bean's  Station,  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '03. 
Address — Stella,  Richardson  county,  Nebraska. 

Fred.  Bach.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '02.  Accidentally  wounded  in 
hand,  while  handling  a  shell,  in  April,  V>3.  Address — 
Morristown,  Henry  county,  111. 

liobcrt  Burrows.  Wounded  in  action  at  Ttoy  Creek,  near  At 
lanta,  Ga.,  lug.  0.  '01.  Address— Colona,  Henry 
comity,  111. 

John  M.  Blade.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '02.  Wounded  in  action 
at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '03.  Address — Alpha,  Hen 
ry  county.  111. 

Michael  Crile.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '02.  Address— Tecumseh, 
Johnson  county,  Nebraska. 

Joseph  (Tough.  Wounded  in  action  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July 
28,  '63.  and  again  at  Franklin.  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '01. 

!._.,  "Tncle  Joe"  was  gray  when  he  enlisted,  and  colored  his 
hair  and  whiskers  from  fear  of  being  rejected.  Tough 
as  iron,  hale  and  hearty.  Died  June  13,  '80. 

John  P.  Cooper.     Reported  dead. 

Albert  A.  Colbert.  Detailed  as  teamster  nearly  his  whole  term 
of  service.  Address — Spring  Hill,  Wlnteside  Co.,  111. 

George  Coilis.     Address — Cleveland,  Henry  county,  111. 

Abraham  A.  Christ.  Detailed  as  teamster  at  division  head 
quarters.  Reported  dead. 

Francis  M.  Duncan.  Enlisted  Aug.  20,  '62. .  Address — Alex 
andria,  Dakota. 

James  Fones.     Enlisted  Aug.  JL5,   '02.  ^  Accidentally  wounded 


406  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

April  18,  '64.  Address — Council  Grove,  Morris  county^ 
Kansas. 

William  Harbaugh.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '(5*2.  Received  "prize 
furlough"  at  General  Inspection  at  Somerset.  Ky., 
June,  '63,  for  best  arms  and  accoutrements  and  soldier 
ly  appearance.  Residence,  Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Robert  N.  Hanna.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal,  Reduced  to  the 
ranks  at  his  own  request.  Reported  dead. 

William  Hilker. 

Adam  Heninger.     Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62. 

William  T.  Hoyt.  Detailed  as- teamster.  Accidentally  wound 
ed  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  '24,  '64.  Died  at  Geneseo, 
111.,  in  '83. 

Isaac  P.  Joles.  Enlisted  Aug.  2f>,  '62.  Address— The  Dalles, 
Wasco  county,  Oregon. 

James  Ktmi^y.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Address — Lyons,  Rice 
county,  Kansas. 

Mason  C.  Long.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Regimental  "Bank 
er."  Won  his  deposits  at  "chuck-a-luck"  and  poker. 
Since  reformed,  and  doing  good  work  in  the  cause  of 
temperance,  morality  and  religion.  Residence,  Fort 
W;  yne,  Indiana. 

Joel  W.  Livermore.     Residence,  Geneseo,    Henry  county,   111. 

Stephen  Martin.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Reduced  to  ranks 
Dec.  8,  '63. 

Abner  Mason.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Address — Plattsmouth, 
Cass  county,  Nebraska. 

Charles  B.  Merrimari.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Address — 
Blairstown,  Benton  county,  Iowa. 

Adam  Miller.     Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.     Reported  dead. 

William  Miller.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  At 
lanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64. 

Thomas  J.  McIIenry.  Enlisted  Aug*  20,  '62.  Address  -Pink 
Prairie.  Henry  county,  Illinois. 

Guiine  Opplecust.  Captured  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63, 
paid  paroled  on  the  field.  Paroles  not  recognized,  and 
retain  .-id  to  company  for  duty,  without  exchange,  by  01- 
dei'  of  Dept.  Commander. 

Adam  H.  Raser.  Enlisted  Aug.  11.  '62.  Detailed  as  teams 
ter.  Iiijure:l  in  left  leg.  Address — Tecumseh,  Johnson 
county,  yeVaska. 

Frank  H.  Rickel.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Detailed  as  compa 
ny  clerk. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  K.  407 

Samuel  Strouse.     Enlisted   Aug.   11,    '62.     Address — Tecum- 

seli,  Johnson  county,  Nebraska. 
(  onrad  E.  Smith.  Wounded  in  a  tion  near  Philadelphia,  Tenn., 

Oct.  '2(5,    '63:  again  at    ivnoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,    '63, 

and   again  at    I  toy  Creek,    near  Atlanta,    Ga.,  Aug.  6, 

'(54,     Address — Ferry,  Dallas  county,  Iowa. 
Michael    Sweeney.     Wounded   in  action   at   I'toy  Creek,  near 

Atlanta,    Ga.,    Aug.    6,    '64.      Address     Mo. ine,     Hock 

Island  county,  111. 
Daniel    D    Shellhamer.       Wounded   in    action   at   Nickajack 

Creek,  near  Keuesaw  Mt.,  Ga.,  -lune  2  >,  '61.  Residence, 

Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 
Moses  St.  Mary.     Captured   near   Winchester,    Ky.,  Feb.  28, 

'63,    and  paroled  next    day.     Exchanged    Sept.  10,  and 

rejoined  company  at  Bean's  Station,  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14, 

'63.     Address  —Trenton,  Grundy  county,  Missouri. 
John  Severs.     Enlisted  Aug.  15,    '62.     Address — North  Bend, 

Dodge  county,  Nebraska. 
Conrad  Stanover.     Enlisted  Aug.  20,  '62. 
James  A.  Small.     Enlisted  in  Co.  K,  Aug.  21,  '62.     Mustered 

in  as-  of  Co.  H.     Transferred   back   to    K,    Nov.    1,  '62. 

Died  at  Cannonsburg,  Pa.,  Apiil  26,  '84. 
William  A.  Soderstrom.     Recruit ;   enlisted   and   mustered  in 

Sept.  22,  '64,  for  one  year.     Discharged   with  company 

under  G.  0.  No.  73. 

Delos  Taylor.  Wounded  in  action  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63. 
Senter  Vader. 

James  II.  Van   Winkle.     Enlisted   Aug.    11,    '62.     Address- 
Stewart,  Guthrie  county,  Iowa. 
John  II.  Wahl.     Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov. 

18,  '63.     Address — Gowrie,  Webster  county,  Iowa. 
John  H.  White h-ad.     Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62. 
Beder  Wood.      Recruit.     Enlisted   and  mustered  in  Sept.  22, 

'64,  for  one  year.     Discharged    with  company  under  G. 

0.,  No.  73. 

ABSENT. 

Sergeant  William  C.  Schull.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62,  and  mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  to  Sergeant  April  12,  '63. 
Captured  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Escaped 
at  Okolona,  Miss.,  Feb.  16,  '65,  and  reached  the  Union 
lines.  Received  furlough  home.  Never  rejoined  com- 
.  pany.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  July  1,  '65. 

Corporal  John  R.  Renner.     Enlisted  Aug.   15,  '62.     Mustered 


408  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

in  as  Private.  Promoted  March,  '64.  Captured  at  Col 
umbia,  Term.,  Nov.  30,  '04.  Paroled  in  April,  '65.  Not 
exchanged.  Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  at 
Springfield,  111.,  July  1,  '65.  Address— North  Bend, 
Dodge  county,  Nebraska. 

Private  William  C.  Biggs.  Captured  at  Danville,  Ky.,  March 
24,  '63,  and  paroled.  Exchanged  and  rejoined  company. 
Again  captured  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Pa 
roled  in  April,  '65.  Not  exchanged.  Never  returned  to 
company.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  July  1,  '65. 

Private  Jackson  Biggs.  Enlisted  Aug.  20,  '62,  Captured  at 
Columbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  Paroled  in  April,  '65.  Not 
exchanged.  Never  returned  to  company.  Discharged 
at  Spring-held,  111.,  July  1,  '65.  Died  Sept.  29,  '80. 

Andrew  Peterson.  Captured,  while  sick  in  hospital,  at  Dan 
ville,  Ky.,  March  24,  '63,  and  paroled.  Sent  to  Camp 
Dennison,  Ohio.  Never  returned  to  company. 

PREVIOUSLY    DISCHARGED . 

Captain  Joseph  Wesley.  Enrolled  Aug.  15,  and  mustered  in 
Sept.  20,  '62,  as  Captain.  Accidentally  wounded  at  Lex 
ington,  Ky.,  and  resigned  April  12,  '63. 

First  Lieut.  Christian  G.  Gearhart.  Enrolled  Aug.  11,  and 
mustered  in  Sept.  20,  '62,  as  First  Lieut.  Besigned  at 
Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  31,  '63,  by  reason  of  disability. 

Musician  Welcome  B.  French.  Enlisted  Aug.  20,  '62.  Cap 
tured  at  Cassville,  Ga.,  May  24,  '64.  Was  sent  from 
Andersonville  to  Florence,  S.  C.,  Sept.  17,  '64,  where  he 
was  detailed  as  nurse,  and  sent  to  Charleston  to  take 
care  of  Union  soldiers.  From  Charleston  was  sent  to 
Savannah,  on  same  duty,  and  thence  to  Columbia,  and 
then  to  llaleigli,  N.  C..  to  keep  him  out  of  the  way  of 
Sherman.  At  Baleigh  made  his  escape  and  started  for 
Wilmington,  on  foot.  Boarded  a  train  of  Union  soldiers 
being  sent  to  Wilmington  for  exchange,  in  the  night 
time,  and  wae  taken  to  Wilmington,  and  was  exchang 
ed  March  4,  '65.  After  a  visit  to  the  regiment  was 
sent  north.  Never  rejoined  the  company  for  duty.  Dis 
charged  at  Springfield.  111.,  June  5,  '65.  Address — Mc- 
Coulsburg,  Story  county,  Iowa. 

PRIVATES. 

Charles  Crornmett.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Kiioxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63 — left  leg  amputated.  Was  .sick  on 
the  held  and  had  permission  to  go  to  the  rear,  but  re- 


KOSTER  OF  COMPANY  K.  409 

fused  to  leave  his  post  in  the  face  of  the  enemy.  Dis 
charged  Feb.  1(5,  '(54. 

John  W.  Kenyon.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  and  discharged  at  Lex 
ington,  Ky.,  Dec.  '(5*2. 

Frederick  C.  Lober.  Enlisted  Au<;.  15,  '62.  Left  sick  at  Camp 
Nelson,  Ky.,  April  '64.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
May  20,  '(55.  Address — Fort  Dodge,  Webster  Co.,  Iowa. 

William  B.  Moody.  Recruit;  enlisted  and  mustered  in  Feb. 
25,  '65,  for  one  year.  Discharged  May  3,  '65. 

Albert  B.  McNickle.  Mustered  in  as  Musician — drummer. 
Severely  wounded  in  action  at  I'toy  Creek,  near  Atlan 
ta,  G-a.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Never  rejoined  company.  Dis 
charged  at  Knoxville,  Tensi.,  May  24,  '65,  by  order  of 
War  Dep't.  Address — Cortiund,  Gage  Co.,  Nebraska. 

Lewis  Peters.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  3,  '63 
— disability. 

Elijah  A.  Pinnell.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.  5,  '63 
— disability. 

James  S.  Riggs.  Enlisted  Aug.  2  >,  '62.  Mustered  in  as  Cor 
poral.  Eeduced  to  the  ranks  at  his  own  request.  Cap 
tured  on  the  Saunders  Enid  in  E.  Tennessee,  June  '63; 
paroled  July  11 ;  exchanged  Sept.  10,  and  rejoined  com 
pany  at  Bean's  Station.  iVc.  14,  '63.  Discharged  May 
29,  '65. 

Absalom  Renshaw.  Discharged  at  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio, 
March  10,  '63— disability. 

Joseph  Sneller.  Wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tennessee, 
Nov.  18,  '63.  Discharged  'by  reason  of  wounds  at  Chi 
cago,  111.,  Sept.  '64.  Died  Dec.  27,  '7(5. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  VETERAN  RESERVE  CORPS. 

Corporal  Adam  Dunlap.  Transferred  Oct.,  '64.  Discharged 
at  Madison,  Wis.,  July  5,  '65.  Address — Geneseo,  Hen 
ry  county.  Illinois. 

Corporal  Nathan  Smith.  Sliglitlv  wounded  in  action  at  Knox 
ville,  Term.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  'Transferred  March  15,  '64. 

PRIVATES 

James  Ague.  Enlisted  Aug.  20,  '(52.  Wounded  and  captured 
in  action  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63.  Paroled,  af 
ter  having  his  pockets  picked  by  the  rebels,  and  sent 
into  the  Union  lines.  Transferred  to  V.  B.  C.,  by  reas 
on  of  wounds,  at  Lexinghi-i.  Ky.,  in  March,  '64.  Dis 
charged  at  hospital  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  by  order  of 
—31 


410  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

President  Lincoln,  made  upon  the  request  of  Mrs.  Ague, 
Dec.  7,  '64.  Still  carries  a  rebel  ball  in  his  hip.  Res 
idence — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

Henry  L.  Detterman.  Recruit;  enlisted  March  30.  mustered 
in  April  25,  '64,  for  three  years.  Transferred  ;  and  dis 
charged  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  Feb.  2,  '65,  under  G.  0. 
No.  17,  dated  at  Washington,  1).  C.,  Jan.  11,  '65.  Ad 
dress— Tecumseh,  Johnson  county,  Nebraska. 

David  Grant.     Enlisted  Aug.  25,  '62.     Transferred  May  8,  '65. 

Oran  Ingram.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Captured  at  Richmond, 
Ky..  July  28,  '63,  and  paroled  on  the  Held.  Parole  not 
recognized,  and  returned  to  company  for  duty,  without 
exchange,  by  order  of  Dep't  Commander.  Transferred 
Dec.  '63  Discharged  at  Indianapolis,  Lid.,  July  8,  '65. 
Address — Indianola,  Red  Willow  county,  Nebraska. 

Jesse  B.  Kilgore.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Captured  at  Dan 
ville,  Ky.,  March  24,  '03,  while  sick  in  hospital,  and 
paroled.  Exchanged  at  Parole  Camp,  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
Get,  1,  '63  but  kept  on  duty  at  St.  Louis,  until  Nov.  1, 
'63,  when|he  was  sent  to  Indianapolis,  Jnd.,  and  trans 
ferred  to  the  V.  R.  C.,  and  put  on  duty  guarding  rebel 
prisoners,  and  as  guard  at  the'  Soldiers'  Home.  Dis 
charged  at  Indianapolis,  June  30,  '65.  Address — Indi 
anola,  Red  Willow  county,  Nebraska. 

Michael  Leddy.  Enlisted  Aug.  30,  '62.  Left  at  Camp  Nel 
son,  Ky.,  sick,  in  April,  '64.  Transferred  Oct.  '(54. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Ssrgeant  Jacob  G.  Rowland.  Mortally  wounded  in  action  at 
Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Died  in 
hospital  at  Marietta,  Ga.,  Aug.  29,  '64.  Remains  interr 
ed  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta.  No.  of  Grave 
8,005,  in  Section  G. 

Corporal  John  Murry.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62/  Mortally  wound 
ed  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Term.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Died  in 
hospital  at  Knoxville,  Nov.  20,  '63.  Remains  removed 
and  interred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville, 
Feb.  1,  '64.  No.  of  Grave  453. 

Corporal  Henry  J.  Buckols. '  Musteredin  as  Private;  promot 
ed  Nov.  1,  '62.  Died  of  typhoid  fever  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,JNov.  18,  '62.  Remains  sent  home  Dec.  2,  '62. 

Corporal  Cornelius  G.  Fike.  Mustered  in  as  Private ;  pro 
moted  April  12,  '63.  Mortally  wounded  in  action  at 
Nickajack  Creek,  near  Kenesaw  Mr.,  Ga.,  June  26,  '64. 
Died  in  Eield  Hospital  June  27,  '04.  and  buried  in  the 
front  yard  of  the  farm-house  of  a  Mr.  Dobbs.  His  re- 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  K.  411 

-mains  brought  to  his  father's  home,  near  Franklin 
Grove,  Lee  county,  111.,  in  '(56,  and  interred  in  the  cem 
etery  near  the  German  Baptist  Church. 

PRIVATES. 

Moses  Bensinger.  Enlisted  Aug.  11,  '62.  Died  of  typhoid 
fever  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec.  11,  '62.  Buried  on  Gov 
ernment  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave 
1-21.  See  note  d. 

William  M.  Meilenry.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga..  Aug.  6,  464.  Remains  removed  and  in 
terred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.  No. 
of  Grave  5,018,  in  Section  F. 

Peter  John  Olson.  Captured  at  Athens,  Tenii.,  Sept.  27,  '63. 
Died  in  rebel  prison  at  Andersonville,  Sept.  27,  '64.  No. 
of  Grave  9,885. 

Peter  Shoe.  Enlisted  Aii£.  15,  '62.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Remains  remov 
ed  and  interred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta, 
Ga.  No.  of  Grave  5,315,  in  Section  F. 

Henry  Sprinkle.  Recruit ;  enlisted  and  mustered  in  Feb.  25, 
'65, .for  one  year.  Never  joined  the  company.  Died  in 
hospital  at  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  April  3,  '65.  No  record  of 
grave. 

Amos  Timmerman.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Killed  in  action 
at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  His  last 
words  were  "Come  on  boys — Cap's  ahead — let's  give 
'em  -  "  when  he  was  struck  in  the  head  by  a  musket 
"hall  and  instantly  killed.  Eemains  removed  and  interr 
ed  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta,  Ga.  No.  of 
Grave  5,314,  in  Section  F. 

Adam  Whitehead.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Died  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  March  14,  '63.  Buried  on  Government  Lot  in 
Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of  Grave  227. 

James  Wilson.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec.  25,  '62.  Buried 
on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No.  of 
Grave  157. 

DESERTED 

Private  George  W.  Buffum.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  Desert 
ed  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  2,  '63. 

Private  William  Summers.  Deserted  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  April 
8,  '64.  . 

Private  William  A.  Taylor.  Enlisted  Aug.  15,  '62.  De 
serted  at  Somerset,  Ky.,  in  August,  '63, 


412  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

PRIVATES 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  05th  Beg.  111.  Vol.  Lift  (consol 
idated)  June  '20,  18G5.  Mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C., 
July  13,  18(15. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  COMPANY    D. 

Ephraim  P.  Beers.  Enlisted  March  30,  mustered  in  April  30, 
'64,  for  three  years.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster- 
out  of  65th. 

Harrison  M.  Benson.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  22, 
'65,  for  one  year. 

Joseph  E.  Clifton.  Enlisted  Oct.  14,  mustered  in  Oct.  19,  '64, 
for  one  year. 

August  Cschiesche.  Enlisted  Oct.  14,  mustered  in  Oct.  19, 
'64,  for  one  year.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster- 
out  of  65th. 

John  8.  Evans.  Enlisted  sind  mustered  in  March  22,  '65,  for 
one  year. 

George  Eenes.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  5,  '64,  for  three 

years. 

Michael  Musser.  Enlisted  Oct.  14,  mustered  in  Oct.  19,  '64, 
for  one  year. 

«  TRANSFERRED  TO  COMPANY  A. 

William  J.  Humphrey.  Veteran ;  enlisted  and  mustered  in 
Jan.  20,  '64,  for  three  years.  Address — New  Bedford, 
Bureau  county  Illinois. 

Ebenezer  Johnson.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  22,  '65, 
for  one  year. 

Leonard  May.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  22,  '65,  for 
one  year. 

Samuel   H.    Nieswender.     Veteran.     Enlisted  and   mustered 

in  .Ian.  5,  '64,  for  three  years. 
"William  Xolte.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Oct.  8,  '64,  for  one 

year. 
John  T.  (T.  Pingree.     Enlisted   and   mustered   in   March   22, 

'65,  for  one  year. 
Edward  H.  liiley.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in  Oct.  8,  '64,  for 

one  year. 
Wiley  B.  Robinson.     Enlisted   Oct.    14,   mustered   in  Oct.  19, 

'64.  for  one  year. 
Harry  Bobinson.     Enlisted  Jan.  19,  mustered  in  Jan.  20,  '653 

for  one  year. 


EOSTEE  OF  COMPANY  K.  413 

William  Sanders.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in  March  22,  '65, 

for  one  year. 
Charles  Taylor.     Enlisted   Jan.    12,   mustered  in  Jan  13,  '65, 

for  one  year. 
Nathan  Williams.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Feb.  25,  '65  for 

one  year. 
Thomas  M.  Wilson.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in  Feb.  25,  '65, 

for  one  year. 
Andrew  Wisce.     Enlisted   Oct.    14,    mustered   in  Oct.  19,  '64, 

for  one  year. 
John  Yvr.  Withrow.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  22,   '65, 

for  one  year.     Address — G-eneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 
William  Withrow.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in  March  22, '65, 

for  one  year. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  61 

Absent,  5 

Previously  Discharged,  13 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps, 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  12 

Deserted, 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  65th  111.,  23 


Total,  125 


COMPANY  G. 

Enrolled  at   Galva,    Henry  County,  111.,   in  August,    1862. 

Organized  August  15,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  Aug.  15,  1862. 
Mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
(This  company  was  actually  mustered  in  Sept.   12,  but  was 
reported  and  recorded  in  the  Adjutant  General's  office  as  hav 
ing  been   mustered   in  on  same  day  as  the  other  companies- 
September  20th.) 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  June  20,  1865 : 


414  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Captain  James  McCartney.  Enrolled  Aug.  12.  Mustered  in 
as  First  Lieut.  ;  promoted  April  10,  to  rank  from  March 
80,  '68.  Acting  Ass't  Adj't  Gren'l  of  Brigade  from  Aug. 
14,  '68  to  April  8,  '64.  Judge  Advocate  of  Court  Mar 
tial  of  8d  Division  23d  A.  C.,  from  May  18,  to  July  27, 
'64.  Commanded  company  from  April  8,  '64,  until  mus 
tered  out.  Residence — Springfield,  111. 

First  Sergeant  Eli  K.  Mauck.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant ;  pro 
moted  April  10,  '63.  Captured  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July 
28,  '63,  and  paroled  on  the  field.  Paroles  not  recogniz 
ed  and  returned  to  company  for  duty.  Commissioned 
First  Lieut.  June  15,  '65,  but  not  mustered.  Address— 
Boonesboro,  Boone  county,  Iowa. 

Sergeant  Thomas  J.  Townsend.  Wounded  hi  action  at  Knox- 
ville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Commissioned  Second  Lieut. 
June  15,  '65,  but  not  mustered.  Address- — Altona, 
Knox  county,  111. 

Sergeant  Ira  G.  Foster.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Mustered  in 
as  Private.  Promoted  from  the  ranks  Feb.  11,  '63. 
Residence — -LaFayette,  Stark  county,  111. 

Sergeant  Edward  P.  Wright,  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Corporal.  Promoted  June  1,  '63.  Slightly 
wounded  in  action  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  Dec.  16,  '64. 
Address — Tingley,  Ringgold  county,  Iowa. 

Sergeant  William  0.  Shurtleff.  Mustered  in  as  Private  ;  pro 
moted  to  Corporal  April  1,  '64;  to  Sergeant  Aug.  8, 
'64.  Captured  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63,  and  pa 
roled  on  the  ground.  Paroles  not  recognized  and  re 
turned  to  company  for  duty.  Slightly  wounded  in  ac 
tion  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  Dec.  16,  '64.  Address — Gal- 
va,  Henry  county,  111. 

Corporal  William  Watterson.  Wounded  in  action  at  Resaca, 
Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Address — Cropsey,  McLean  Co.,  111. 

Corporal  James  Gaster.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Residence — 
Galva,  Henry  county,  111.' 

Corporal  James  I).  Blood.  Wounded  in  action  near  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  Aug.  12,  '64.  Address — Brookfield,  Linn  Co.,  Mo. 

Corporal  Alvin  G.  Bruce.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Mustered 
in  as  Private.  Promoted  Aug.  1,  '64.  Address — East 
Saginaw,  Saginaw  county,  Michigan. 

Corporal  Ezra  Litten.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
Aug.  8,  '64.  Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Address — Nekoma,  Henry 
county,  111. 

Corporal  John  S.  Kite.    Mustered  in  as  Private.     Promoted 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  G.  415 

Sept,  1,  '64.  Captured  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  July  28,  '63. 
Paroled  on  the  ground.  Paroles  not  recognized,  and 
returned  to  company  for  duty.  Address — Oilman, 
Marshall  county,  Iowa, 

Corporal  Solomon  0.  Hubbard.  Mustered  in  as  Private. 
Promoted  Sept.  1,  '64.  Address — Exeter,  Fillmore 
county,  Nebraska. 

Musician  John  F.  Emery.  Enlisted  Aug.  9,  '62.  Served 
whole  term  as  musician.  Address — Big  Springs,  Chey 
enne  county,  Nebraska. 

PRIVATES. 

William  J.  Allen.     Enlisted  Aug,  13,  '62. 

William  Boweri.     Enlisted   Aug.   13,  '62.     Detailed  Sept.  22, 

'62,  and  served  his  whole  term  in  Hospital   Dept.     One 

of  the  best   men   in  the  regiment.     Address — Atkinson, 

Holt  county,  Nebraska. 

Samuel  Byers.     Address — Clarinda,  Page  county,  Iowa. 
William  H.  Cotteral.     Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 

Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Residence — Denver,  Colorado. 
William  Elkins.  Wounded  in  action  on  Pine  Mt.  Ga.,  June  11, 

'64.     Died,    from   the   effects  of  the  wound,  at  Galva, 

Henry  county,  111. 

George  W.  Holmes.     Enlisted  Aug.  14, 162. 
Harry  C.  Johnson.     Address — LaCygne,  Linn  county,  Kansas. 
Robert  Kapple.     Address — Clarinda,  Page  county,  Iowa, 
Thomas  Kearns.     Address — Council  Bluffs,  Iowa. 
John  Looney.     Address— Kempton,  Ford  county,  111. 
George  Milbourn. 

Andrew  Mealman.  Address — Grinnell,  Poweshiek  Co.,  Iowa. 
Robert  R.  McMillan.  Residence — Galva,  Henry  county,  111. 
Peter  Peterson. 

John  K.  Pangburn.     Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62. 
Christopher   C.    Palmer.     Enlisted   Aug.   12,  '62.     Address — 

T  exarkana ,  Ark  an  s  a  s . 
Andrew  J.  Rosenbaum.     Enlisted    Aug.    14,    '62.     Address — 

New  Windsor, |Mercer  county,  111. 
George  W.  Roberts.     Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62. 
Isaiah  Seybert,     Address — Ottumwa,   Wapello   county,  Iowa, 
Thomas  D.  Swan.     Address — Hopkins,  Nodaway  Co..  Mo. 
William  W.  Starboard.     Wounded   and  captured   at   Lenoir, 

in  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.   16,    '63.     Exchanged   Nov.   20,   '64. 


416  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

Rejoined   company  at  Raleigh,    N.    C.,    April   21,  "05. 

Address — Winterset,  Madison  county,  Iowa. 
Joshua  Sausser.     Enlisted  Aug.  1'2,   '02. 
James  West.     Address — Clarincla,  Page  county,  Iowa. 

ABSENT. 

Corporal  John  Corkhill.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
Feb.  2,  '04.  Captured  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30, 
'04.  Paroled  April  15,  '05,  and  entered  Union  lines  at 
Black  River,  near  Vicksburg.  Never-  exchanged.  Re 
joined  the  company  at  Chicago,  and  was  discharged 
with  the  company  July  0,  '05.  Address — Galva,  Ida 
county,  Iowa. 

Private  Joseph  Berry.  Detailed  as  Bugler  at  Camp  Nelson, 
Ky.,  Aug.,  '03.  Absent  sick. 

Private  Philip  Cromain.  Captured  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
30,  '04.  Paroled  April  15.  '05.  Not  exchanged.  Never 
rejoined  company.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  July 
1,  '65.  Died  at  West  Jersey,  Stark  Co.,  111.,  Feb.  9,  79. 

Private  John  Crowe.  Wounded  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga., 
May  14,  '04.  Captured  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '04. 
Paroled  April  15,  '05.  Not  exchanged.  Never  rejoined 
company.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  July  1,  '05. 
Died  at  Galva,  Henry  county,  111.,  March  23,  '85. 

Private  Marquis  V.  French.     Address — Afton,    Union  Co.,  la. 

Private  Peter  S.  Horn.  Absent  sick.  Discharged  at  David's 
Island.  N.  Y.,  June  30,  '65,  by  order  of  War  Dept. 
Address — Palmer,  Washington  county,  Kansas. 

Private  John  A.  Tarble.  Address — Stromsburg,  Polk  Co.,  Neb. 

PREVIOUSLY   DISCHARGED. 

Captain  Alexander  W..Albro.  Enrolled  Aug.  14.  Mustered 
in  as  Captain.  Resigned  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March  30, 
'03.  Residence — Galva,  Henry  county,  111. 

Corporal  John  Humphrey.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '02.  Wounded 
in  action  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the  French  Broad  River, 
E.  Tenn.,  Jan.  28,  '04.  Discharged  by  reason  of  wounds 
at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sept.  20,  '04.  Address — Iowa  Cen 
ter,  Story  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  Thomas  J.  McClellan.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '02.  Mus 
tered  in  as  Private.  Promoted  June  1,  '03.  Wounded 
in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18.  '03.  Discharged 
by  reason  of  wounds,  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Aug.  17,  '04. 
Address — Oakland,  Coles  county,  Illinois. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  G.  417 

Musician  John  Corlett.  Discharged  at  Quincy,  111.,  April  4, 
'64 — disability.  Died  since  the  war. 

PB1VATES 

William  A  very.  Discharged  at  (Quincy,  111.,  May  25,  '64— dis- 
ability. 

Hiram  W.  Huh))ard.  Captured  at  Eichmond,  Ky.,  July  28, 
'63,  and  paroled  on  the  field.  Paroles  not  recognized, 
and  returned  to  the  company  for  duty.  Slightly  wound 
ed  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  '63.  Dis- 
' charged  June  5,  '65.  Died  since  the  war. 

Philip  Kelley.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Absent  sick,  and 
reduced  Aug.  1.  '64,  to  make  room  for  a  corporal.  Dis 
charged  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  June  17,  '65.  Address— 
Aledo,  Mercer  county,  111. 

John  A.  Larson.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Ltoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  Ga..  Aug.  6,  r, 4.  Discharged  by  reason 
of  wounds,  at  Nashville,  Trim.,  June  8,  '65.  Address— 
Nekoma,  Henry  county,  111. 

Elmer  H.  Mauck.  Discharged  in  hospital  at  Camp  Dennison, 
Ohio,  .June  18,  '63 — disability.  Address — Lerado,  lie- 
no  county,  Kansas. 

Lewis  E.  Morton.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  April  15, 
'63.  Address— Galva,  Henry  county,  111. 

Cassel  E.  McCoy.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Discharged  at  Lex 
ington,  Ky..  April  10,  '68. 

James  C.  McElhaney.  Discharged  at  Mound  City,  111.,  April 
21,  '(J5 — disability.  Died  at  Cambridge,  Henry  county, 
111.,  in  1881. 

Lewis  P.  Peterson.  Captured  near  Cassville,  Ga.,  May  24, 
'64.  Exchanged  at  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  March  1,  '65. 
Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  at  Springfield, 
111.,  May  25,  '65.  Address  Pilot  Mound,  Boone  Co., 
Iowa. 

Shubal  M.  Shattuck.  Enlisted  Aug.  18,  '62.  Discharged  at 
Knoxville,  Tenn.,  May  15.  '65,  by  order  of  War  Dep't. 
] Residence — Greenfield,  Adair  county,  Iowa. 

Cyrus  Sweet.  Enlisted  An£.  11,  '62.  Mustered  in  as  Serg 
eant,  lledueed  to  the  ranks  June  1,  '63,  by  reason  of 
absence.  Discharged  May  17,  '65.  Residence — Lin 
coln,  Nebraska. 

Myron  Walters.     Eecruit.     Enlisted   and   mustered  in  March 
23,  '64,  for   three   years.     Discharged  at   Dallas,   Ga., 
—32 


418  HTSTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Nov.  4,  T>4 — disability.    Address— Wyoming,  Stark  Co., 
Illinois. 

TRANSFERRED. 

First  Lieut.  Thomas  E.  Milchrist.  Enrolled  Aug.  12,  '02. 
Mustered  in  as  Second  Lieut.  Promoted  April  10,  to 
rank  fiom  March  80,  '63.  Aid-de-camp  on  brigade  staff 
(Col.  Runkle's),  and  division  staff  (Gen.  Carter's),  in 
Kentucky  campaign  of  'OB.  In  command  of  company 
in  E.  Tenn.,  campaign.  Detailed  as  aid-de-camp  on 
Gen.  Reilly's  staff,  May  14,  '64,  and  was  on  staff  duty 
with  different  commanders  until  June,  'Go,  when  he  was 
transferred  to.  and  promoted  to  Capt.  of  Co.  E,  65th 
Eeg.  111.  Yols.  (consolidated).  Mustered  out  at  Gieens- 
boro,  N.  C.,  July  13,  '65.  Residence — Galva,  Henry 
county,  111. 

Private  Orrin  M.  Gross.  Enlisted  Aug.  8,  '62.  Mustered  in 
as  Sergeant.  Absent  on  detached  service,  and  reduced 
to  the  ranks  Eeb.  12,  '63.  Transferred  and  promoted 
to  Captain  of  Co.  E,  1st  Eeg.  U.  S.  Col.  Art.,  at  Knox- 
ville,  Tenn.,  April  20,  '64.  Addiess — Grenola,  Butler 
county,  Kansas. 

TRANSFERRED  TO  VETERAN  RESERVE  CORPS. 

• 

Private  Daniel  J.  Hansell.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Transferr 
ed  at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  May  15,  '64.  Reported  dead. 

Private  Charles  Keyser.  Enlisted  Aug.  13,  '62.  Transferred 
at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  Oct.  15,  '63.  Address — Manson, 
Webster  county,  Iowa. 

Private  Benjamin  Masters.  Transferred  at  Quincv,  111.,  June 
15,  '64. 

Private  Moses  B.  Robinson.  Enlisted  Aug.  12,  '62.  Trans 
ferred  at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  Oct.  15,  '63.  Discharged 
at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky..  March  25,  '64.  Address — Dublin, 
Barton  county,  Missouri. 

Private  Charles  Riley.  Recruit.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in 
April  24,  '64,  for  three  years.  Wounded  in  action  near 
Kenesaw,  Mt.,  Ga.,  June  27,  '64,  and  sent  to  General 
Hospital  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.  Transferred  by  reason 
of  wounds  April  1,  '65.  Discharged  at  Knoxville,  Sept. 
2,  '65.  Residence — Geneseo,  Henry  county,  111. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Second  Lieut.  William  L.  Spaulding.  Mustered  in  as  First 
Serg.  Promoted  April  10,  to  rank  from  March  30,  '63. 
Mortally  wounded  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  9,  '64. 
Died  at  Jeffersonville,  Ind.,  Aug.  25,  '64,  while  being 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  G.  419 

taken  home  by  his  father.     Buried  at  Galeslmrg,  111. 
Corporal  John  Groo.     Died   at   Camp   Nelson,    Ky.,  Sept.  12, 

'03.     No  record  of  place  of  burial. 
Corporal  Robert  Corkhill.     Enlisted   Aug.    14,  '02.     Killed  in 

action  near   Knoxville.,    Teiin.,    Nov.  17,  '03.     Remains 

removed   and  interred    in  the   National   Cemetery   at 

Knoxville.     No.  of  Grave  241. 

PRIVATES. 

Theodore  Brown.  Died  at  Willett's  Point,  N.  Y.,  April  17, 
'Go.  No  record  of  burial.  See  note  c. 

Enos  Byers.  Recruit.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  14, 
'05,  for  one  year.  Died  at  Smithville,  N.  C.,  May  "2, 
'65.  No  n  cord  of  burial. 

Daniel  Corleit.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.  19,  '03.  Buried 
on  Government  Lot  in  the  Lexington  Cemetery.  No. 
of  Grave  210.  See  note  d. 

Thomas  Corlett.  Died  at  Milledgeville,  Ky.,  April  17,  '63. 
No  record  of  burial. 

Andrew  P.  Folk.  Captured  at  Lenoir,  in  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16, 
'03.  Died  in  Andersonville  Prison,  Feb.  '2,  '04.  ISo. 
of  Grave  101. 

Ransom  D.  Foster.  Recruit.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in 
Fen.  7,  '03,  for  three  years.  Captured  at  Lenoir,  E. 
Tenn.,  Nov.  10,  '03.  Died  in  Andersonville  Prison 
Sept.  -2,  '04.  No.  of  Grave  7,720. 

Jacob  B.  Gaster.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  April  11,  '03.  Bur 
ied  on  Government  Lot  in  the  Lexington  Cemetery. 
No.  of  Grave  354. 

Alfred  Hiihhs.  Enlisted  Aug.  14,  '62.  Died  at  Stanford,  Ky., 
April  ;),  '03.  Xo  record  of  grave. 

George  W.  Henipstead.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Knox 
ville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  18.  '03.  Mortally  wounded  in  action 
on  Pine  Mt.,  Ga.,  June  11,  '04.  Died  in  Field  Hospital 
June  14,  '64.  Remains  transferred  to  National  Ceme 
tery  at  Marietta,  Ga.,  after  the  war.  No.  of  Grave 
8,708,  in  Section  H. 

James  B.  Henrietta.  Killed  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  0,  '04.  Buried  in  National  Ceme 
tery  at  Marietta,  Ga.  No.  of  Grave  6,201,  in  Sec.  E. 

Michael  Milieu.  Died  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March  20,  '03. 
Buried  on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cemetery. 
No.  of  Grave  242. 

John  W.  McMillan.  Wounded  at  Lenoir,  E.  Tenn.,  Nov.  16, 
'03.  Died  of  wounds  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Jan.  9,  '04. 


420  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Buried  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Knoxville.  No.  of 
Grave  21)7. 

Jesse  McQueen.  Died  at  Lexington.  Ky.,  April  1,  '08.  Bur 
ied  on  Government  Lot  in  the  Lexington  Cemetery. 
No.  of  Grave  830. 

Edward  McKeon.  Mortally  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek, 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  .Vug.  0,  and  died  in  Field  Hospital 
Aug.  8,  '04.  Buried  in  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta, 
Ga.  No.  of  Grave  ;">,300.  in  Section  F. 

Michael  Nugent.  Killed  in  action  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Nov. 
18,  '()3.  Pemains  lei't  on  the  field  and  buried  by  the 
enemy.  See  note  c. 

Simon  P.  Smith.  Died  at  \Yyandotte,  Ohio,  June  8,  '08.  No 
record  of  burial. 

Samuel  Seybert.  Died  at  Nashville,  Term.,  March  25,  65. 
Buried  in  National  (Vmetery  at  Madison,  near  Nash 
ville.  No.  of  Grave  14,814. 

Yulliarn  J.  Whitney.  Died  at  Somerset,  Ky.,  May  18,  '08. 
No  record  <  f  burial. 

DESERTED 

Privates:  Frank  Murray.     Deserted  at  Covington,    Ky.,  Oct. 

12,  '62. 

Patrick  McDonald.     Deserted  at  Peoria,  111.,  Sept.  28,  '02. 
Edward  L.  Short.     Deserted  at  Peoria,  111.,  Oct.  8,  '02. 
Orville  A.  Simpson.     Deserted  at  Peoria,  111.,  Oct.  8,  '02. 
John  Spoor.  Deserted  at  Milledgeville,  Ky.,  May  18,  '63. 

PRIVATES — 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  65th  Beg.  111.  Vol.  Tnf't  (consol 
idated)  June  20,  1805.  Mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C., 
July  13,  1805. 

William  A.  Brown.     Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Dec.  2,  '03,  for 

three  years. 
John  Braddon.     Enlisted  Dec.  14,  '63,  mustered  in  March  23, 

'04,  for  three  years. 
Francis  Griffin.     Enlisted  and  mustered   in  March  29,  '04,  for 

three  years.     Promoted  to  Serg.  of  Co.  F,  65th  111. 
Andrew  Jackson.     Enlisted  "March  28,  and  mustered   in  April 

25,  '64,  for  three   years.     Address — La   Fayette,   Stark 

county,  111. 
Byron  D.  Kennedy.     Enlisted  Feb.  18,  mustered  in  March  18, 

'04,  for  three  years. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  B.  421 

Charles  Keyser.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Jan.  23,  '65,  for 
one  year.  Orderly  at  J)iv.  H'dqrs.  from  April  4,  '65.  S. 
O.  No.  38. 

Samuel  Smith.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  -Tan.  23,  '65,  for 
one  year. 

George  W.  Smith.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Tan.  '23,  '6-5,  for 
one  year. 

Frank  A.  Yale.  Enlisted  March  '28,  mustered  in  April  25, 
'64,  for  three  years.  Promoted  to  Corp'l  of  Co.  F,  65th 
111.  Address — Coon  Creek,  Barton  county,  Missouri. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  37 

Absent,  7 

Previously  Discharged,  l(i 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  5 

Transferred  to  other  commands,  '2' 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  21 

Deserted,  .5 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  65th  111.,  0 

Total,  102 


COMPANY  B. 

Enrolled  at  Bradford,  Stark  County,  111.,  in  August,    1862. 

Organized  August  12,  1862. 

Date  of  all  enlistments  not  otherwise  stated,  Aug.  12,  1862. 
Mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  Sept.  20,  1862. 
Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  June  20,  1865: 

Captain  Bradford  F.  Thompson.  Mustered  in  as  First  Ser 
geant.  Promoted  to  Second  Lieut.  April  103  to  rank 
from  March  31,  '63.  Promoted  to  First  Lieut.  Jan.  17, 
'64,  to  rank  from  Sept.  IS,  '63.  Appointed  Adjutant  of 
the  Regiment  March  7,  '64,  to  rank  from  Nov.  25,  '63. 
Promoted  to  Captain  May  9,  to  rank  from  April  25,  '65. 
Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64, 
and  in  the  hattle  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  lle- 
sidence,  Toulon,  Stark  county,  111. 


422  HISTORY  OF   THE  112TH  ILLINOIS, 

First  Lieut.  William  H.  Doyle.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant. 
Promoted  to  First  Lieut.  Sept.  HO,  '64,  to  rank  from 
Nov.  25,  '68.  Commanded  the  company  as  Sergeant 
and  Lieutenant  from  Aug.  6,  '04,  to  May  9,  '05.  Resi- 
dence,  Mendon,  Adams  county,  111.  Address — Rico, 
Colorado. 

First  Sergeant  Charles  13.  Foster.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant. 
Promoted  April  10,  '03.  Commissioned  Second  Lieut. 
June  15,  '05,  but  not  mustered.  .Residence,  Bradford, 
Stark  county,  111. 

Sergeant  Willard  B.  Foster.  Mustered  in  as  Serg.  Eegi men 
tal  "Ambulance  Sergeant"  from  June,  '0-4,  until  muster 
ed  out.  Residence — Little  River,  Rice  county,  Kan. 

S 3rgc ant  Augustus  S.  Thompson.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal. 
Promoted  to  Sergeant  Aug.  31,  '6-4.  Regimental  "Ord 
nance  Sergeant"  from  Nov.  '04,  until  mustered  out.  Re 
sidence — Bradford,  Stark  county,  Illinois. 

Sargeant  George  W.  Reed.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Promo 
ted  to  Sergeant  Aug.  31,  '04.  Captured  at  Lancaster, 
Ky.,  July  28,  '03 — made  his  escape  the  same  day.  Res 
idence — Bradford,  Stark  county,  Illinois. 

Sergeant  John  R.  Jones.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
to  Sergeant  Oct.  1,  '04.  Slightly  wounded  by  splinters 
from  "head-log"  struck  by  solid  shot,  May  27,  '04,  and 
inaction  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  (ia.,  Aug.  0,  '04. 
Residence — Bradford,  Stark  county,  Illinois. 

Corporal  John  Olenburg.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
June  18,  '03.  Wounded  in  action  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on 
the  French  Broad  River,  E.  Terni.,  Jan.  28,  '04.  Ad 
dress — Zearing,  Story  county,  Iowa. 

Corporal  James  A.  Long.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
Aug.  31,  '04.  Address— Bradford,  Stark  county,  111. 

Corporal  Levi  White  Jones.  Mustered  in  as  Private  Oct.  7, 
'02.  Sick  when  company  mustered  in.  Promoted  Sept. 
15,  '04.  Mustered  out  with  company  by  order  of  Maj. 
Gen.  Schofield.  Address — Glasco,  Cloud  county,  Kan. 

Corporal  John  D.  Keagle.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promot 
ed  Oct.  1,  '04.  Accidentally  shot  in  knee,  by  Co.  H 
man,  at  Milledgeville,  Ky.,  April,  '03.  Accidentally 
wounded  at  Mossy  Creek,  E.  Teun.,  Jan.  1,  '04. 

Corporal  F.  Louis  Heinke.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  March  15,  '05.  Wounded  in  action  at  Cleveland, 
Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '03.  Address— Spokane  Falls,  Spokane 
county,  Washington  Terr. 


KOSTEB  OF  COMPANY  B.  423 

Corporal  Charles  N.  Crook.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro 
moted  March  15,  '65.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn., 
Sept.  18,  '63.  Exchanged  Nov.  26,  '64.  Bejoined  com 
pany  in  the  spring  of  '65.  Address — Goodrich,  Linn 
county,  Kansas. 

Musician  Henry  S.  Hayden.  Mustered  in  as  Musician.  Mem 
ber  of  the  Begimental  Band  from  its  organization  until 
mustered  out.  Address — Creighton,  Knox  county,  Neb. 

Wagoner  John  McLaughlin.  Mustered  in  as  Wagoner.  Teams 
ter  during  his  whole  term  of  service.  Accidentally  kill 
ed,  moving  a  building,  at  Bradford,  Stark  county.  111., 
Dee.  29,  71. 

PRIVATES. 

William  II.  Couibear.     Besidence — Morton,    Tazewell  Co.,  111. 

Thomas  E.  Delany.     Address— Z  earing,    Story   county,  Iowa. 

William  1).  Freeman.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept. 
18,  63.  Escaped  from  Anderson ville,  May  24,  '64  ;  en 
tered  the  lines  of  Sherman's  army  on  the  Etowah  Biver, 
Ga.,  June  13,  '64.  Beceived  furlough,  after  which  re 
joined  company.  Address — Eureka,  Greenwood  coun 
ty,  Kansas. 

Samuel  B.  Francis. 

Joseph  Fleming.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  Nov.  18,  ;63.  Address — Toulon,  Stark  county,  111. 

James  A.  Goodrich.  Injured  in  head  by  concussion  of  explod 
ing  shell,  at  Besaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Besidence, 
Goodrich,  Linn  county,  Kansas. 

Newton  J.  Green.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Captured  at 
Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '63.  Exchanged  March  21, 
'04.  Bejoined  company  on  Pine  Mt.,  Ga.,  June  16,  '64. 
Address — Linn  Creek,  Camden  county,  Missouri. 

William  Hanley.  Absent  on  furlough.  Bejoined  and  dis 
charged  with  company  at  Chicago,  July  6,  '65.  Address 
— Seranton,  Greene  county,  Iowa. 

Charles  H.  Hanley.  Besidence,  Omaha,  Nebraska.  Busi 
ness  address,'  818  S.  Tenth  St. 

John  Hall.     Address — Bradford,  Stark  county,  111. 

Nicholas  Hill.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Beduced  June  2, 
'64.  Captured  near  Winchester,  Ky.,  Feb.  23,  '63.  Pa 
roled  next'  day.  Exchanged  Sept.  10;  rejoined  compa 
ny  at  Bean's  Station,  in  E.  Tenn.,  Dec.  14,  '63. 

George  Jennings.   Address — Cherokee,  Crawford  county,  Kan. 


424  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Francis  J.  Liggett.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18, 
'63.  Confined  on  Belle  Isle,  Va.,  until  March  10,  '64, 
then  transferred  to  Andersonville.  Escaped  from  An- 
dersoiiville  May  24,  '64  ;  entered  lines  of  Sherman's  ar 
my  on  the  Etowah  River,  Ga.,  June  13,  '64;  received 
thirty  days  furlough,  then  rejoined  company.  ,  Resi 
dence,  Bradford,  Stark  county.  111. 

John  C.  Leighton.  Injured  in  head  by  concussion  of  explod 
ing  shell,  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  14,  '64.  Address — Gil- 
man,  Iroquois  county,  111. 

Charles  Leighton.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18, 
'63.  Exchanged  March  21,  and  rejoined  company  June 
16,  '64.  Died  nearModena.  Stark  county,  111.,  May,  76. 

William  C.  Lopeman.  Enlisted  Aug.  21  '62.  Slightly  wounded 
in  action  at  Flat  Creek,  in  E.  Tenn.,  Jan.  26,  '64.  Ad 
dress — Henry,  Marshall  county,  111. 

Orman  M.  Miller.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '63; 
exchanged  March  21,  and  rejoined  company  June  16, 
'64.  Address — Hoopeston,  Vemiiilion  county,  111. 

Lewis  Osborn.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '63; 
exchanged  March  21,  and  rejoined  company  June  16? 
'64.  Address — Modena,  Stark  county,  111. 

Irvin  Oxherger.  Slightly  wounded*  by  shell,  at  Calhoun, 
Tenn.,  Sept.  26,  '63.  Address— Bradford,  Stark  Co.,  111. 

Jacob  H.  Pirkey.  Enlisted  when  only  15  years  of  age.  Serv 
ed  faithfully  and  well  to  the  end  ;  under  18  when  dis 
charged.  Address — -Eliot,  Ford  county,  111. 

Ira  Porter.     Died  in  Stark  county,  April  21,  '73. 

Ephraim  N.  Pardee.  Enlisted  Aug.  21,  '62.  Mustered  in  as 
Corporal.  Detailed  in  Law's  Battery,  and  reduced  to 
make  room  for  another  corporal.  Address — Galva, 
Henry  county,  Illinois. 

Samuel  Redding.  Captured  at  Cleveland, "Tenn.,  Sept.  18.  '63  ; 
exchanged  March  21,  '64:  rejoined  company  on  Pine 
Mt.,  Ga.,  June  14,  '64.  Address — -Goodrich,  Linn  coun 
ty,  Kansas. 

Alva  W.  Sturtevant.  Severely  wounded  by  rebel  sharpshoot 
ers  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  9,  '64.  Address — Dexter, 
Dallas  county,  Iowa. 

John  Sturm.     Address — Oak  Dale,    Shelby  county,  Missouri. 

Charles  R.  Thompson.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy 
Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,  '64.  Residence- 
Bradford,  Stark  county,  Illinois. 

Joseph  Taylor. 


BOSTEE  OF  COMPANY  B.  425 

John  Wallace.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenri.,  Sept.  18,  '08; 
exchanged  May  1,  164 :  rejoined  company  June  16, 
T>4.  Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  (5,  %64.  Address — Coon  Rapids,  Car 
roll  county,  Iowa. 

ABSENT. 

Corporal  Edward  T.  Riley.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn., 
Sept.  18,  '(>;*.  Exchanged  at  Wilmington,  N.  (_'..  March 
1,  '65.  Never  rejoined  company.  Absent  sick.  Dis 
charged  at  Springfield,  111.,  Sept.  '2(5,  '65.  Residence — 
Byron,  Nebraska. 

Corporal  Hiram  P.  Mallory.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Pro- 
•  inoted  April  10,  '63.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn., 
Sept.  18,  '63.  Exchanged  at  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  March 
1,  '65.  Never  rejoined  company.  Absent  sick.  Dis 
charged  July  1,  '65.  Residence — Buda,  Bureau  Co.,  111. 

Private  John  H.  Baldwin.  Recruit ;  enlisted  and  mustered  in 
July  9,  '63,  at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  for  three  years.  Re 
ported  "absent  sick  in  hospital  since  Oct.,  '63,"  on  mus 
ter-out  roll.  In  all  probability  he  was  then  dead,  and 
that  he  is  one  of  the  "unknown"  reported  by  the  Supt. 
of  the  National  Cemetery  at  Marietta.  See  note  g. 

Private  Ira  F.  Hayden.  Recruit ;  enlisted  Feb.  29,  mustered 
in  March  1,  '64,  for  three  years.  Captured  at  Colum 
bia,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30,  '64.  'Paroled  April  15,  '65;  and 
entered  Union  lines  at  Black  River,  near  Vicksburg. 
Never  exchanged.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  July 
1,  '65 ;  and  rejoined  company  at  LaSalle,  111.,  in  the 
night  of  July  6,  '65,  on  railway  train  coming  home. 
Residence — Bradford,  Stark  county,  111. 

Private  Horace  Morrison.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn., 
Sept.  18,  '63.  Paroled  and  exchanged  March  21,  '64. 
Never  rejoined  company.  Address — Osceola,  Stark 
county,  Illinois. 

PREVIOUSLY    DISCHARGED. 

Captain  James  B.  Doyle.  Enrolled  Aug.  12,  and  mustered 
in  as  Captain  Sept.  20,  ;62.  Resigned  at  Lexington, 
Ky.,  March  31,  '63.  Residence— Bradford,  Stark  coun 
ty,  Illinois. 

Captain  John  Gudgel.     Enrolled  Aug.  12,  and  mustered  in  as 

Second  Lieut.,  Sept.  20,  '62.     Promoted  to  First  Lieut. 

April  10,  to  rank  from   March  31,    '63.     Promoted  to 

Captain  Jan.  17,  '64,  to  rank  from  Sept.  18,  '63.  Wound- 

—33 


426  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ed  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  (la.,  Aug.  6, 
'64.  Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  by  reason 
of  wounds,  March  27,  '65.  Died  at  lied  Wing,  Minn., 
while  there  on  business,  July  *27,  '76.  Widow's  resi 
dence — Tiskilwa,  Bureau  county,  Illinois. 

PRIVATES 

George  Barber.  Accidentally  shot  off  right  fore-linger,  while 
on  guard,  at  Lexington,  Ky.  Discharged  at  Lexington, 
March,  1868. 

Uriah  Dunn.  Discharged  at  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio,  June,  '63 
— disability.  Address — Quincy.  Adams  county,  Iowa. 

Isaac  N.  Dalrymple.  Wounded  and  captured  at  Cleveland, 
Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '(53.  Exchanged  March  1,  '(55.  Never 
rejoined  company.  Discharged  at  Camp  Chase,  Ohio, 
May  31,  '65.  Address — Simpson,  Mitchell  Co.,  Kansas. 

Morris  Fowler.  Discharged  at  Camp  Nelson,  Ky.,  Oct.  11, 
'64 — disability.  Residence— Bradford,  Stark  Co.,  111. 

Enoch  W.  Foster.  Discharged  at  Evansville,  I  ml.,  May  1, 
'65— disability.  Residence — Brimfield,  Peoria  Co.,  111. 

John  P.  Freeman.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18, 
'63.  Exchanged  March  1,  '65.  Never  rejoined  com 
pany.  Discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  May  25,  '65 

Washington  Garside.  Captured  at  Cleveland.  Tenn.,  Sept. 
18,  '63.  Exchanged  March  21,  '64.  Rejoined  compa 
ny  near  Pine  Mt.,  Ga.,  June  12,  '64.  Discharged  at 
hospital  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  June  14,  '65— disability,  con 
tracted  in  rebel  prison.  Died  at  Bloomington,  Illinois, 
Aug.  16,  '66. 

Hiram  P.  Geer.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.  10,  '63 
— disability.  Address — Rockwell,  Cerro  Gordo  county, 
Iowa. 

Stephen  Gudgel.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  April,  '63— 
disability.  Reported  dead. 

James  Hare.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March  '63— 
disability.  Address — Ten  Mile,  Summit  Co.,  Colorado. 

Edwin  Holmes.  Severely  wounded  and  captured  at  Cleve 
land,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '63.  Exchanged  Nov.  27,  '64. 
Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  at  Springfield, 
111.,  June  17,  '65.  Address— Bradford,  Stark  Co.,  111. 

W'illiam  H.  Johnson.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept. 
18,  '63.  Exchanged  at  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  March  1, 
'65.  Never  rejoined  company.  Discharged  at  Little 
York,  Penn.,  June  14,  '65.  Address— Valley  Brook, 
Osage  county,  Kansas. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  B.  427 

Daniel  Kane.  Captured  at  Calhoun,  Tenn.,  Sept.  "26,  '03. 
Reported  on  muster-out  roll  "Paroled  prisoner  of  war  at 
Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo."  Reported  in  Adju 
tant  General's  Reports,  "Discharged  June  19,  '65."  As 
he  never  returned  home,  both  reports  are  probably  in 
correct.  He  probably  died  while  a  prisoner.  See  note  g. 

Henry  McKibbons.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.,  '63 
—disability.  Died  at  Denver,  Colorado,  Feb.  22,  '82. 

James  Partridge.  Discharged  at  Quincy,  111.,  July,  '64 — disa 
bility.  Now  dead. 

Henry  Slump.  Discharged  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Jan.,  '63— dis 
ability. 

Clark  M.  Sturtevant.  Discharged  at  Mt.  Sterling,  Ky.,  March, 
'64 — disability.  Address — Houghton,  King  county, 
Washington  Terr. 

Nathan  D.  Steward.  Discharged  at  Quincy,  111.,  Feb.  8,  '65 
— disability.  Address — Bradford,  Stark  county,  111. 

Dennis  Spellman.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn..  Sept.  18,  '63. 
Exchanged  March  21,  "64.  Never  rejoined  company. 
Discharged  at  General  Hospital,  Benton  Barracks,  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  May  30,  '65.  Address — Henry,  Marshall 
county,  Illinois. 

Henry  Stacy.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '63. 
Escaped  from  Andersonville  May  24,  '64  ;  was  taken 
sick  and  recaptured.  Again  escaped,  and  was  again  re 
captured,  and  attached  to  a  60  pound  ball  and  chain 
until  exchanged,  March  1,  '65.  Never  rejoined  company. 
Discharged  at  Springfield,  111..  May  26,  '65.  Address- 
Lucas,  Lucas  county,  Iowa. 

THANSI-T.IIPiHl)  TO  VKTKJiAX  UESEUVE  COKPS. 

Andrew  J.  Brode.  Severely  wounded  in  action  at  Knoxville, 
Tenn..  Nov.  IS,  '03.  '  Transferred  to  Y.  R.  C.,  March  30, 
'64,  by  reason  of  wounds,  and  employed  as  mustering 
clerk.  Discharged  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  Aug.  25,  '65.  Res 
idence — Buda,  Bureau  county.  Illinois. 

Peter  lines.  Cut  oft'  a  toe,  splitting  wood,  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
Nov.  18,  '02 :  and  accidentally  shot  himself  through 
wrist,  at  same  place,  Jan.  15,  '63,  and  was  transferred 
to  V.  R.  C.  Died  near  Bradford,  Stark  county,  Illinois, 
since  the  war. 

Eber  S.  Osborn.  Transferred  in  '64 — disability.  Address— 
Montpelier,  Blackford  county,  Indiana. 

George  W.  Scott.  Transferred  in  '64— disability.  Died  since 
the  war. 


428  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

Isaac  Sturm.  Transferred  in  '64 — disability.  Kesidence, 
Bradford,  Stark  county,  111. 

KILLED  AND  DIED  IN  THE  SERVICE. 

Captain  Jonathan  C.  Dickerson.  Enrolled  Aug.  12,  and  mus 
tered  in  Sept.  20,  62,  as  First  Lieut.  Promoted  to 
Captain  April  10,  to  rank  from  March  31,  '63.  Com 
missioned,  borne  on  the  rolls  and  performed  the  duties 
of  Captain,  but  was  not  mustered  as  such.  Killed  in 
action  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '63,  just  a  year,  to 
an  hour,  from  the  time  he  left  home.  Buried  in  the 
Cleveland  Cemetery,  and  a  suitable  monument  erected 
to  his  memory  by  his  widow. 

Sergeant  John  H.  Buimell.  Mustered  in  as  Sergeant.  Wound 
ed  in  action  near  Dallas,  Ga.,  May  81,  '64.  Left  leg 
amputated  at  Cumberland  Hospital,  Nashville,  July  27, 
'64.  Died  of  wounds  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  Aug.  12,  '64. 
Remains  brought  home  and  interred  in  the  Snare  Cem 
etery,  in  Perm,  Stark  county,  111.,  March  8,  ?65. 

Sergeant  Eli  C.  Jones.  Mustered  in  as  Corporal.  Promoted 
April  10,  '63.  Was  Color  Guard  in  the  E.  Tenn.  cam 
paign,  and  Color  Bearer  from  April  6,  to  May  6,  '64. 
Wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek  near  Atlanta,  Ga., 
Aug.  6,  '64.  Died  of  wounds  at  Marietta,  Ga..  Aug.  19, 
'64.  Remains  brought  home  in  the  fall  of  '65,  and  in 
terred  in  the  Cemetery  at  Kewanee,  Illinois. 

Corporal  A  brain  Deyo.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept. 
18,  '63.  Died  iii  Andersonville  Prison,  Ga.,  July  18,  '64. 
No.  of  Grave,  4172. 

Corporal  Orlin  Bevier.  Mustered  in  as  Private.  Promoted 
April  10,  '63.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18, 
'63.  Died  in  Andersonville  Prison,  Ga.,  July  22,  '64. 
No.  of  Grave  6519. 

PRIVATES. 

Robert  Alexander.  Wounded  in  action  at  Flat  Creek  Gap,  E. 
Tenn.,  Jan.  26,  '64.  Died  of  wounds  at  Knoxville,|Tenn., 
May  16,  '64.  Buried  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Knox- 
ville.  No.  of  Grave  782. 

Charles  H.  Barber.  Wounded  in  action  at  I'toy  Creek,  near 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  Sept.  6,  '64.  Died  of  wounds  at  Marietta, 
Ga.,  Sept.  15,  '64.  Buried  in  National  Cemetery  at 
Marietta.  No.  of  Grave  8118,  in  Section  G. 

Spencer  Elston.  Died  of  disease  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec.  9,  '62. 
Buried  on  Government  I  jot  in  Lexington  Cemetery.  No. 
of  Grave  160.  See  note  d. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  B.  429 

George  Ludlum.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '63. 
Exchanged  Dec.  18,  and  died  Dec.  '26,  '64,  in  hospital 
at  Annapolis,  Md.,  of  disease  contracted  in  Confederate 
prisons.  No  record  of  burial. 

Elias  Miller.  Killed  in  action  at  Franklin,  Tenn.,  Nov.  30, 
'64.  No  record  of  burial.  See  note  b. 

Joseph  B.  Philips.  Recruit.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  Eeb. 
29,  '64.  for  three  years.  Died  of  disease  at  Chattanoo 
ga,  Tenn.,  July  2*2,  '64.  Buried  in  National  Cemetery 
at  Chattanooga.  No.  of  Grave  11,320,  in  Section  E. 

Jeremiah  Sargent.     Died   of  disease   at  Lexington,  Ky..  Jan. 

17,  '63.     Buried  on>  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cem 
etery.     No.  of  Grave  251. 

Cyrus  Sturm.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  Sept.  18,  '63. 
Exchanged,  and  rejoined  company  June  16,  '64.  Wound 
ed  in  action  at  I  toy  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6, 
'64.  Died  of  wounds  at  Nashville.  Term.,  Feb.  10,  '65. 
No  record  of  number  of  grave. 

William  P.  Wilson.  Died  of  disease  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Dec. 
9,  '62.  Buried  on  Government  Lot  in  Lexington  Cem 
etery.  No.  of  Grave  162. 

DESERTED 

Privates:     Ephraim  Glidden.     Deserted   at   Lexington,    Ky., 

Jan.  18,  '63.     Went  to  Canada. 
George  M.  Stone.     Detailed  for  service  in  Law's  Battery,  and 

deserted  from  the  battery  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  Feb.,    '63. 

PRIVATES— 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  65th  Reg.  111.  Vol.  Inf't  (consol 
idated)  June  20,  1865.  Mustered  out  at  Greensboro,  N.  C., 
July  13,  1865  : 

George  A.  Brown.  Enlisted  July  9,  mustered  in  July  23,  '63, 
for  three  years.  Captured  at  Cleveland,  Tenn..  Sept. 

18,  '63.     Exchanged  April  16,  and  rejoined  company  on 
Pine  Mt.,    Ga.,    Juno  16,    '64.     Reported  "absent  sick'' 
at  muster-out  of  65th  III.     Address — North   Lewisburg, 
Champaign  county,  Ohio. 

Michael  Dardis.     Enlisted   and  mustered  in  Jan.  24,    '65,  for 

one  year. 
Melvin  Gage.     Enlisted  Feb.  29,  mustered  in  March  1.  '64,  for 

three  years.    Slightly  wounded  in  action  at  Utoy  Creek, 

near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  6,    '61.     Residence,   Bradford. 

Stark  county,  111. 


430  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

William  J,  Lamper.  Enlisted  March  28,  mustered  in  May 
24,  '64,  for  three  years.  Residence,  Laramie  City,  Wy 
oming  Terr. 

John  Lee.  Enlisted  March  11,  mustered  in  March  IB,  '(55,  for 
one  year.  Reported  "absent  sick"  at  muster-out  of 
65th  111. 

Solomon  Leighton.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  13,  '65, 
for  one  year.  Address — Carbon,  Adams  county,  Iowa. 

Isaac  Luce.  Enlisted  and  mustered  in  March  13.  '65,  for  one 
year. 

[RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  mustered  out  with  the  company,  43 

Absent,  5 

Previously  Discharged,  22 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  5 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  14 

Deserted,  2 

Recruits  transferred  to  the  65th  111.,  7 

Total,  98 


GRAND  RECAPITULATION. 

Present  and  discharged  with  the  regiment,  440 
Absent, 

Previously  discharged  from  the  service,  181 

Transferred  to  Staff,  10 

Transferred  from  II  to  other  companies,  9 

Transferred  to  other  organizations,  7 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  45 

Killed  and  died  in  the  service,  217 

Deserted,  31 

Recruits  transferred  to  65th  TIL,  122 

Total,  1,113 


Note  a.  After  the  close  of  the  war  the  remains  of  all  the 
Union  killed  at  the  battle  of  Resaca  that  could  be  found  were 
removed  and  interred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Chattanoo 
ga.  Many  of  them  could  not  be  found  and  still  lie  where  they 
were  originally  buried.  The  head-boards,  or  other  marks,  of 


NOTES.  431 

many  others  had  fallen  down,  or  been  destroyed,  or  become 
obliterated,  so  the  remains  could  not  be  identified,  and  the 
graves  of  these  are  marked  "unknown." 

Note  l>.  The  Union  killed 'at  Franklin,  and  the  mortally 
wounded  who  were  left  on  the  h'eld  and  died  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  were  buried  by  the  enemy  in  trenches,  without  any 
designation  except  their  blue  uniforms.  They  were  removed 
and  their  remains  interred  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Mad 
ison,  near  Nashville,  and  their  graves  marked  "unknown." 

Xote  <•.  The  men  of  the  112th  who  were  killed  at  Knoxville 
before  the  final  charge  of  the  enemy,  on  the  18th  of  November, 
18GB,  were  carried  off  the  field  and  buried,  and  nearly  all  of 
these  were  afterwards  identified ;  but  those  who  were  killed  in 
the  last  charge,  or  mortally  wounded  and  left  on  the  field, 
were  buried  by  the  enemy,  and  their  remains  could  not  be 
identified.  They  sleep  among  the  "unknown"  in  the  Nation 
al  Cemetery  at  Knoxville. 

The  Supt.  of  the  cemetery  reports  the  following  whose  names 
are  not  011  the  rolls  of  the  regiment : 

James  Eoberson  Co.  D,  112th  111. — No.  of  Grave  418. 

Thomas  Mattis   Co.   I,    112th  111.— No.  of  Grave  133. 

Marion  Brown  Co.  G,  112th  111.— No.  of  Grave  243. 

He  also  reports  John  Kimball  of  Co.  E,  which  is  undoubt 
edly  intended  for  John  Kendall  of  Co.  F. 

Note  d.  There  is  no  National  Cemetery  at  Lexington,  but  the 
Government  owns  a  large  lot  in  the  Lexington  Cemetery,  on 
which  nearly  one  thousand  Union  soldiers  are  buried.  It  is 
under  the  charge  of  Mr.  C.  S.  Bell,  Supt.  of  the  Lexington 
Cemetery  Company,  and  the  lot  and  graves  receive  the  same 
care  and  attention  as  others  in  the  cemetery. 

Note  e  The  Confederate  officers  seem  to  have  kept  no  rec 
ord  of  the  names  of  Union  soldiers  who  died  at  Florence, 
Very  few  of  them  are  known,  and  among  them  not  a  man  of 
the  112th  111.  can  be  found. 

Note  /.  The  Supt.  of  the  National  Cemetery  at  Richmond 
reports  that  most  of  the  Union  prisoners  who  died  in  Confed 
erate  prisons  were  first  buried  in  other  cemeteries  in  the  city, 
and  no  record  kept  of  the  names  or  dates  of  death.  In  1866, 


432  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

when  the  National  Cemetery  was  established,  their  remains 
were  removed  and  interred  in  the  National  Cemetery  and  the 
graves  of  nearly  all  'marked  "unknown."  The  only  names  of 
112th  men  found  upon  the  prison  records  are  Serg.  Solomon 
Dixon,  James  Ray,  Simon  Ray  and  John  J).  Swaim,  all  of  Co. 
E,  and  the  date  of  [death']  of  each,  but  no  record  of  the  num- 
bers^oFtheii^  graves. 

Note  g.  The  Supt.  off  the°"National  Cemetery  at  Marietta, 
Ga.,  reports  an  unknown  man  of  Co.  B,  112th  111.,  buried  in 
that  cemetery  who  died  in  prison  in  Alabama.  He  also  re 
ports  an  unknown  man  of  same  company  at  Cahaba  Cemetery, 
Ala.  Died  Feb.  23,  '65.  No.  of  Grave  3,404,  in  Section  L. 

Note  //.  The  Supt.  of  the  National  Cemetery  at  Anderson- 
ville  reports  that  he  examined  13,701  names  in  making  a  list 
of  the  112th  111.  men  interred  there,  for  the  author's  use.  There 
are  14,622  graves  of  Union  soldiers  there,  of  which  921  are 
marked  "unknown." 


ERRATA. 

In  the  middle  of  page  314;  for  "Capt.  D.  K.  Hall,  our  brig 
ade  Quartermaster,"  read  €apt.  D.  K.  Hall,  our  brigade  Com 
missary. 

In  the  recapitulation  of  Co.  I,  on  page  378,  for  "Absent  9," 
read  absent  8  ;  for  "total  125,"  read  total  124. 

In  head  lines  of  Co.  C,  on  page  378,  for  "Present  and  mus 
tered  out  June  20,  1862,"  read  Present  and  mustered  out  June 
20,  1865. 


SAUNDERS  RAID  INTO  EAST  TENNESSEE. 


BY  CAPT.  JAMES  MCCARTNEY. 


About  the  first  of  June,  1863,  the  112th  Illinois  Mounted  In 
fantry,  then  stationed  at  Somerset,  Kentucky,  received  orders 
from  General  A.  E.  Burnside,  commanding  the  Department 
of  the  Ohio,  directing  that  two  hundred  of  the  strongest  and 
best  horses  and  the  same  number  of  the  healthiest  men  in  the 
regiment  be  kept  in  camp  and  from  general  and  detail  duty 
until  further  orders.  In  compliance  with  this  order  the  men 
and  horses  were  selected,  and  the  horses  carefully  groomed, 
fed  and  shod. 

On  the  morning  of  June  10,  1863,  the  men  selected  were  or 
dered  to  report  to  Col.  Saunders, — General  Burnside's  chief  of 
staff, — a  brave,  kind  and  able  officer,  who  afterward  fell  brave 
ly  fighting  with  the  112th  at  the  siege  of  Knoxville.  I  had  the 
honor  to  be  one  selected  to  accompany  the  detail  from  the 
112th,  under  the  command  of  Major  T.  T.  Dow. 

When  we  reached  the  place  where  we  were  ordered  to  re 
port,  we  found  assembled  four  companies  of  the  2nd  Ohio  cav 
alry,  two  companies  of  the  7th  Ohio  cavalry,  two  companies  of 
the  1st  Kentucky  cavalry,  four  companies  of  the  44th  Ohio 
mounted  infantry,  six  companies  of  the  1st  Tennessee  mount 
ed  infantry,  one  section  of  the  4th  Ohio  light  artillery,  consist 
ing  of  t\\o  ten-pound  rifled  guns, — in  all  about  fifteen  hund 
red  men. 

We  fell  into  line  and  began  our  march,  under  command  of 
Col.  Saunders,  and  on  the  llth  of  June  reached  Mt.  Yer- 
uon,  Kentucky,  and  camped  for  the  night.  On  the  12th  we 
marched  twenty-six  miles  to  London,  and  about  twelve  o'clock 
at  night  camped  in  the  woods  near  the  town.  On  the  13th  we 
—34 


434  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

reached  Williamsburg,  Kentucky,  on  the  Cumberland  Kiver, 
and  camped  again.  This  river  was  then  the  dividing  line  be 
tween  the  Union  and  Confederate  forces.  General  Burnside 
commanded  the  Union  forces  north  of  the  river  and  General 
Simon  Buckner  the  Confederate  forces  south  of  it.  Buckner 
was  said  to  have  forty  thousand  men  under  his  command 
guarding  East  Tennessee. 

At  Williamsburg  all  the  teams,  and  all  men  who  showed 
signs  of  fatigue  or  ill  health,  with  the  poorest  horses  arid  all 
our  baggage  were  sent  back  to  Somerset.  .  A  few  days  rations 
for  ourselves,  and  eight  hundred  rounds  of  ammunition  for  our 
cannon,  were  loaded  upon  pack  mules.  Forty  rounds  of  car 
tridges  were  put  in  our  cartridge  boxes,  and  forty  rounds  more 
and  a  new  pair  of  horse  shoes  into  our  saddle  bags.  We  slung 
ten  days  rations  for  ourselves  around  our  necks,  in  sacks.  We 
placed  in  our  pockets  the  picture  of  a  mother,  wife,  or  sweet 
heart,  and  bidding  good-bye  to  friends,  with  a  last  look  to 
ward  the  north,  we  plunged  our  horses  into  the  Cumberland 
River  and  waded  and  swam  to  its  southern  shore. 

From  this  point  the  command  numbered  about  thirteen 
hundred  men.  Col.  Gilbert,  of  one  of  the  Ohio  regiments,  with 
eight  hundred  men,  followed  over  the  river  and  struck  off  to 
our  left,  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  enemy  until  we  could 
slip  through  the  lines.  The  Cumberland  range  of  mountains 
begin  here,  about  twenty  miles  from  the  river. 

On  the  14th  of  June,  after  crossing  the  river,  we  made  our 
way  quietly  by  by-ways  and  narrow  paths  through  the  country 
toward  the  mountains,  and  on  that  night  camped  in  a  lonely 
valley  at  the  foot  of  the  mountains. 

We  had  with  us  seven  of  the  best  guides  in  the  army,  who 
were  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  mountains  and  the  coun 
try  beyond.  Only  the  fore  wheels  of  our  cannon  were  taken, 
and  paths  were  cut  when  necessary,  through  the  timber,  but 
it  was  scarcely  ever  necessary,  as  it  seemed  as  if  the  guns 
could  go  wherever  a  horse  or  mule  could  travel.  We  started 
before  sunrise  on  the  15th,  and  went  up  and  down  hills 
through  the  woods  all  day.  Of  course  we  knew  nothing  of 
where  we  were  going  or  what  we  were  going  to  do,  but  obser 
vation  told  us  that  we  were  going  through  the  lines  of  the  en- 


THE  SAUNDERS  RAID  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.  485 

emy  toward  the  south  upon  some  desperate  enterprise.  About 
five  o'clock  on  the  15th  we  heard  distant  firing  to  our  left, 
where  Col.  Gilbert  was  skirmishing  with  the  enemy  at  Big- 
Creek  in  the  mountains,  for  the  purpose  of  leading  the  enemy 
to  believe  that  we  were  trying  to  break  through  that  gap.  The 
sequel  proved  that  they  were  thoroughly  deceived.  We  made 
a  gap  of  our  own  through  the  mountains. 

The  night  of  the  16th  we  did  not  camp,  but  at  11  o'clock  at 
night  we  halted  in  a  beautiful  meadow  in  the  mountains,  and 
holding  our  horses  by  their  bridles,  let  them  feed  on  the  grass 
until  1  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  16th,  when  we  mounted 
and  away  again.  This  day  we  crossed  the  line  into  Tennessee, 
and  at  about  11  o'clock  in  the  morning  reached  a  small  town 
called  Montgomery.  Here  we  rode  up  to  and  captured  one 
hundred  and  one  rebel  soldiers.  They  were  so  much  astonish 
ed  at  seeing  us  that  they  forgot  their  guns,  and  we  took  them 
prisoners  without  firing  a  gun.  They  just  opened  their  mouths 
and  stared  at  us  while  we  took  their  guns  and  equipments 
away  from  them.  These  were  destroyed,  the  men  paroled  not 
to  take  up  arms  against  the  United  States  until  exchanged, 
and  off  we  went  again  before  they  seemed  to  realize  the  situa 
tion.  We  stopped  here  less  than  an  hour,  as  the  citizens  told 
us  the  rebel  General  Pegram  was  expected  with  three  thousand 
men  and  eight  pieces  of  artillery  every  minute.  I  was  here  or 
dered  to  take  ninety  men  of  the  112th  and  form  a  rear  guard, 
and  to  keep  well  in  the  rear  and  to  resist  any  force  that  might 
come.  All  this  night  long  we  moved  on,  without  rest  or  sleep, 
being  the  second  night  we  had  spent  in  the  saddle.  On  the 
17th  we  cleared  the  mountains  and  came  into  Powell's  Valley, 
a  most  beautiful  country,  covered  with  ripening  wheat  and 
waving  corn.  We  continued  on  all  day  the  17th  and  all  through 
the  following  night.  We  ate  our  hard  tack  and  took  our  naps 
in  our  saddles.  We  got  off  our  saddles  occasionally,  put  a  few 
oats  from  sacks  behind  our  saddles  into  the  nose-sacks  slung 
around  our  horses'  necks,  pulled  the  sacks  over  their  noses  and 
let  them  eat  as  we  mounted  and  marched  on.  Horses  and  men 
often  slept  soundly  as  they  traveled  along  the  road.  At  night 
especially,  after  a  longer  than  usual  halt,  I  have  often  gone 
forward  along  the  line  and  found  a  file  of  men  and  horses 


486  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

sound  asleep,  stopping  the  whole  column  in  the  rear,  while 
those  in  front  were  perhaps  miles  in  advance.  We  would  wake 
them  up  and  then  gallop  our  horses  until  the  column  in  front 
was  overtaken.  This  experience  had  to  be  often  repeated  du 
ring  the  trip.  We  finally  adopted  the  plan  that  when  an  order 
was  given  it  should  be  repeated  in  a  low  voice  by  every  com 
missioned  and  non-commissioned  officer  to  the  end  of  the  line, 
and  when  a  halt  was  made,  not  preceded  by  an  order,  we  sim 
ply  sent  a  man  forward  to  wake  up  the  sleeping  files. 

Often  did  1  see  on  this  march  man  and  hor.se  go  to  sleep, 
and  at  some  obstruction  in  the  road  fall  down  broadside.  The 
horse  would  groan  and  the  man  swear,  his  comrades  would 
laugh,  but  up  he  would  mount  and  off,  probably  to  go  to  sleep 
again  within  ten  minutes.  We  marched  very  quietly  and  cau 
tiously,  for  we  knew  that  at  every  step,  on  every  side,  were  re 
bel  spies  and  scouts,  ready  at  all  times  to  take  advantage  of 

IIS. 

On  the  18th  of  June  we  reached  the  vicinity  of  and  marched 
straight  toward  the  town  of  Kingston,  Tennessee,  a  considera 
ble  town  at  the  junction  of  the  Clinch  and  Tennessee  Elvers. 
The  rebels  were  here  in  strong  force,  with  artillery  planted  and 
ready  to  resist  our  advance.  When  within  three  miles  of  the 
town,  however,  we  turned  short  oil  to  our  left  and  made 
straight  for  the  nearest  point  on  the  railroad  running  from 
Chattanooga  through  Knoxville  and  East  Tennessee  to  Rich- 
moud,  Va.,  to  destroy  which  was  the  real  object  of  the  raid. 

One  of  the  periodical  attempts  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
to  capture  Richmond  was  about  to  be  made,  and  we  were  sent 
to  destroy  this  railroad,  that  Lee's  army  might  not  be  reinforc 
ed  from  the  southwest.  We  performed  our  part  of  the  pro 
gram  but  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  did  not,  that  time. 

At  about  10  o'clock  in  the  night  of  the  18th  the  rear  guard 
reached  the  north  bank  of  Clinch  River,  the  main  body  having 
crossed  some  hours  before.  We  found  here  two  men  on  the 
bank,  in  blue  uniforms,  who  said  they  were  left  to  guide  us 
across.  Instead  of  doing  so,  however,  they  told  us  the  water 
was  only  knee-deep  to  our  horses,  and  to  go  straight  across — 
that  there  was  no  danger,  and  they  would  follow  us.  The  riv 
er  appeared  to  be  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide.  We  waded 


THE  SAUNDERS  RAIT)  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.  487 

our  horses  in,  Sergeant  Alauck  and  T  being  in  advance,  and 
with  about  sixty  men  following  us,  composing  at  that  time  the 
rearguard.  When  we  had  reached  about  the  middle  of  the 
river  our  horses  suddenly  plunged  into  water  at  least  twenty 
feet  deep,  the  whole  line  of  men  and  horses  following  close  af 
ter  us.  Instantly  the  water  was  filled  with  plunging  horses 
and  struggling  men.  We  had  some  seven  or  eight  day's  ra 
tions  of  hard  tack  slung  in  sacks  around  our  necks,  besides 
ammunition,  guns,  horse-feed  and  many  other  weighty  arti 
cles.  My  brave  little  gray  mare,  on  whose  back  I  had  crossed 
so  many  rivers,  carried  me  safely  toward  the  shore,  until  just 
before  we  readied  it  her  fore  foot  struck  a  tree  lying  length 
wise  in  the  river.  This  threw  her  over  on  her  back  with  me 
underneath ;  but  I  threw  my  arms  around  her  neck  and  she 
soon  righted  herself  and  carried  me  safely  out.  I  dismount 
ed,  and  looking  around  in  the  dark  saw  a  round  form  crawl 
ing  out  on  the  bank  that  looked  like  an  immense  mud  turtle. 
After  coughing,  blowing,  sneezing  and  swearing  awhile,  I  found 
that  it  was  tough,  reliable,  brave  -Tack  Loony,  whose  horse 
had  struck  the  same  obstacle  that  mine  had ;  but  Jack  had 
lost  his  hold  and  fallen  off ;  with  the  weight  of  ammunition, 
gun  and  other  things  lie  had  slung  to  him,  he  went  straight  to 
the  bottom — some  fifteen  feet  down.  However,  as  he  knew 
the  direction  he  had  been  going,  he  just  walked  ahead  along 
the  bottom  of  the  river  and  came  out  all  right,  but  very  mad. 
Jack  never  liked  to  get  out  of  ammunition,  and  he  always  did 
an  immense  amount  of  shooting  in  every  engagement.  I  think 
he  probably  had  a  double  allowance  of  cartridges  about  him 
and  had  picked  up  a  few  other  things  as  he  went  along. 

Soon,  from  all  points  along  the  bank  struggled  ashore  horses 
and  men.  But  three  of  the  brave  boys  of  Co.  I),  one  from  Co. 
C  and  one  from  Co.  F,  never  answered  roll-call  again  on  earth, 
and  their  bleaching  bones  lie  to-day  beneath  the  murky  wa 
ters  of  Clinch  Hi ver,  victims  to  the  murderous  hatred  of  Union 
soldiers  by  the  miserable,  cowardly  bushwhackers  of  the  South. 
When  we  joined  the  main  body  of  our  forces  we  found  that  no 
guides  had,  in  fact,  been  left  for  us.  Col.  Saunders  believing 
that  we  were  immediately  in  rear  of  the  column  and  would 
follow  it  over.  The  men  who  had  directed  us  into  the  dan- 


438  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

gerous  waters  of  the  river  were  rebels  who,  no  doubt,  believed 
that  most  of  us  would  be  drowned  in  crossing. 

We  only  stopped  long  enough  on  the  bank  of  the  river  to 
pour  the  water  out  of  our  boots,  when  we  mounted  and  away 
again  to  overtake  the  main  column.  We  soon  joins i  it,  an  1 
marched  on  all  night,  only  halting  for  our  horses  to  feed  an 
hour  in  a  Held  of  wheat  about  one  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

About  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  we  found  our 
selves  near  the  great  railroad  bridge  over  the  Tennessee  Biver 
at  London.  But  we  found  this  bridge  too  heavily  guarded 
with  men,  artillery  and  forts  to  risk  an  attack  with  our  small 
force.  We,  therefore,  struck  off  to  the  left  again  and  at  about 
10  o'clock  suddenly  turning  to  our  right,  in  a  few  minutes 
reached  Lenoir  Station,  a  small  town  on  the  railroad.  Here 
we  captured  about  forty  rebels  with  four  cannon.  We  found 
the  railroad  depot  here  almost  filled  with  ammunition  for  can 
non  and  small  arms.  We  set  the  whole  concern  on  fire,  and 
destroying  the  cannon  and  small  arms  captured,  our  prisoners 
were  paroled  amid  the  smoke  of  bursting  shells,  and  s  shrapnel 
and  musket  cartridges  in  the  depot  building ;  and  after  burn 
ing  Lenoir's  cloth  and  thread  factory  and  five  hundred  bales 
of  rebel  cotton,  we  started  up  the  railroad  towards  Knoxville. 
We  kept  in  the  vicinity  of  the  railroad,  tearing  it  up  and  de 
stroying  the  telegraph  wires,  all  that  day.  At  about  5  o'clock 
we  reached  the  vicinity  of  Knoxville.  Knoxville  was  then  the 
headquarters  of  the  Confederate  Army  of  East  Tennessee.  As 
we  neared  this  point  a  Dr.  Baker,  a  noted  rebel  of  East 
Tennessee,  came  around  his  house,  a  short  distance  from  the 
road,  and  deliberately  raising  his  rifle,  fired  at  the  column 
then  quietly  passing  along  the  public  road.  He  fired  at  the 
wrong  time,  for  it  was  a  detachment  of  the  1st  Tennessee 
mounted  infantry  upon  which  he  had  fired,  many  of  whom 
knew  Dr.  Baker  of  old,  and  knew  him  to  be  a  man  who  had 
done  more,  perhaps,  than  any  other  citizen  of  East  Tennessee 
to  urge  on  the  demons  and  blood  hounds  who  were  scouting 
the  whole  country,  hanging  and  whipping  and  murdering  old 
mffn  and  women,  the  fathers,  mothers,  sisters  and  wives  of 
Union  men,  trying  to  force  them  to  reveal  the  hiding  places 
of  their  fathers,  brothers,  and  sons.  There  were  many  men 


THE  SAUNDERS  RAID  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.  439 

in  the  ranks  of  the  1st  Tennessee  whose  mothers  and  relatives 
had  been  driven  from  their  homes  into  the  mountains,  or  mur 
dered,  because  they  would  not  tell  where  the  men  were,  that 
they  might  be  conscripted  into  the  Confederate  army.  Dr. 
Baker  had  shown  his  devotion  to  the  Confederacy  by  being  the 
leading  spirit  in  all  these  outrages,  and  he  made  a  great  mis 
take  when  he  fired  upon  these  men  as  they  passed  quietly  by 
his  house.  Before  the  smoke  had  fairly  cleared  away  from  the 
muzzle  of  his  gun,  he  was  surrounded  by  at  least  fifty  men, 
and  twenty  musket  balls  had  passed  through  his  body. 

About  a  year  afterward,  being  then  Acting  Assistant  Adjut 
ant  General,  on  the  staff  of  Col.  Byrd,  at  Post  Oak  Springs, 
I  received  a  letter  directed  to  Col.  Byrd,  sent  in  under  a  liag 
of  truce,  and  signed  by  Major  General  Simon  Buckner,  de 
manding  the  surrender  of  the  men  who  had  so  "foully  murder 
ed"  Dr.  Baker;  otherwise  the  vengeance  of  the  whole  South 
ern  Confederacy  would  fall  upon  the  heads  of  all  the  men  and 
officers  of  Col.  Byrd's  command. 

The  Colonel  was  absent  from  the  headquarters  when  the 
letter  came,  but  I  answered  it  in  his  name,  saying  to  General 
Buckner  that  the  men  who  shot  Dr.  Baker  were  still  with  us, 
enjoying  reasonably  good  health,  but  that  we  were  too  busy 
just  then  to  send  them  to  him  ;  but  that  if  he  would  call  and 
get  them  he  might  have  them.  Simon  never  called. 

We  remained  quietly  in  the  vicinity  of  Knoxville  until  after 
dark.  The  whole  detachment  of  the  112th,  under  Major  Dow, 
was  placed  along  the  road  upon  which  we  had  just  come  to 
hold  it  against  any  force  coming  from  the  rear,  while  the  main 
body  passed  around  the  opposite  side  of  the  city.  At  about 
midnight,  finding  that  no  force  was  following  us,  we  started  to 
join  the  main  body,  but  coming  to  where  the  road  forked  were 
unable  in  the  darkness  to  tell  w-hich  fork  of  the  road  the  mam 
body  had  taken.  We  finally  took  the  road  to  the  right,  and  in 
a  few  minutes  came  upon  a  rebel  picket  who  fired  several  shots 
at  us  and  then  retreated.  We  became  suspicious  that  we  were 
on  the  wrong  road,  and  seeing  an  open  grove  to  the  left  of  our 
road  wrent  into  it,  formed  a  line  of  battle,  dismounted,  and 
holding  the  bridles  of  our  horses,  lay  down  on  thejground  and 
in  five  minutes  were  all  fast  asleep.  I  woke  up,  hearing  a 


440  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

drum  beating  near  us,  and  could  just  see  a  gray  tinge  of  light 
in  the  east.  We  knew  it  must  be  a  rebel  drum  beating,  as  we 
had  none  with  us,  and  recomioitering  a  little,  we  found  we 
were  in  the  suburbs  of  Knoxville,  far  within  the  rebel  lines, 
and  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  rebel  hospital.  We  had 
not  been  discovered,  however,  the  rebels  supposing  that  we 
were  at  least  twenty  miles  away  and  that  the  alarm  of  their 
pickets  the  night  before  was  a  mere  scare.  But  we  very  quiet 
ly  mounted  our  horses  and  backed  out  of  our  rather  unsafe 
position. 

One  of  the  boys  of  Co.  B,  I  think  it  was,  missed  his  horse 
when  he  woke  up  and,  being  very  sleepy,  started  to  find  him. 
He  took  the  road  into  town  however,  and  meeting  several  men 
in  the  gray  of  the  morning,  asked  each  one  of  them  if  he  had 
seen  a  stray  horse.  None  of  them  had  seen  any,  and  he  fin 
ally  came  to  a  fire  where  several  men  were  standing.  Coming 
to  the  light,  he  suddenly  became  very  wide  awake,  when  he 
saw  they  were  all  dressed  in  gray,  and  he  at  once  realized  his 
danger.  Walking  up  to  the  one  farthest  from  the  light,  he 
asked  him  for  a  chew  of  tobacco,  and  getting  it,  he  turned 
and  quietly  walked  out  the  way  he  came,  and  soon  joined  us 
with  his  horse,  or  another  just  as  good. 

"We  reached  the  main  body  about  sunrise,  when  we  were  at 
once  formed  in  line  of  battle  and,  dismounting,  were  marched 
straight  upon  the  town  with  our  two  pieces  of  artillery  in 
front  of  us.  We  got  within  gun-shot  of  the  rebel  works  at 
about  9  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  they  opened  fire  upon 
us  with  artillery,  to  which  ours  replied.  The  first  shot  the 
rebels  fired  passed  over  the  112th  and  crashed  through  a 
house  behind  us.  We  heard  women  scream,  and  afterward 
found  that  the  house  was  filled  with  women  and  children  ;  that 
the  ball  had  killed  a  babe  and  had  torn  part  of  the  dress  off  a 
woman. 

We  pushed  forward  toward  the  heart  of  the  city,  and  as  we 
afterward  learned,  the  rebels  were  about  to  surrender,  when 
we  were  suddenly  ordered  to  fall  back  to  our  horses  and 
mount. 

We  mounted  our  horses  and  away  went  our  whole  force  to 
the  east  again.  Before  leaving  Knoxville,  however,  we  cap- 


THE  SAUNDERS  RAID  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.  441 

tured  over  two  hundred  prisoners,  and  as  we  were  about  to 
leave,  paroled  them.  Our  object  in  attacking  Knoxville,  it 
seems,  was  not  to  capture  the  town,  but  to  draw  all  the  rebel 
forces  to  it,  so  they  might  not  interfere  with  our  operations  in 
other  places. 

We  moved  rapidly  east  from  here,  having  thoroughly  deceiv 
ed  the  rebels.  We  could  hear  them  still  firing  at  the  place 
where  we  had  been  until  we  were  more  than  twelve  miles  away. 
Eight  miles  from  Knoxville,  we  struck  the  railroad  again  and 
tore  it  up  for  about  two  miles.  We  here  captured  twelve  men 
guarding  a  bridge  over  a  stream.  We  burned  the  railroad 
bridge  here,  and  also  the  wagon  bridge  over  the  stream,  pa 
roled  our  prisoners,  and  on  again  we  went  toward  the  east. 
At  about  2  o'clock  this  day  (June  20th,)  we  reached  Strawber 
ry  Plains.  At  this  place  was  the  longest  and  most  important 
bridge  on  the  road  between  Knoxville  and  Richmond.  It  had 
been  strongly  guarded,  but  our  attack  upon  Knoxville  had 
drawn  most  of  the  guarding  force  in  that  direction.  We  im 
mediately  opened  fire  with  our  artillery  and  formed  our  lines 
and  charged  them.  But  before  we  reached  them  the  white 
flag  was  raised,  and  we  captured  over  one  hundred  men  and 
five  pieces  of  artillery.  We  destroyed  the  artillery  captured, 
paroled  the  men,  and  then  set  fire  to  and  burned  the  railroad 
bridge,  seven  hundred  and  twenty  yards  long,  over  the  Hol- 
ston  River.  The  destruction  of  this  bridge  was  the  principal 
object  of  our  raid,  and  to  accomplish  which  the  government 
could  well  afford  to  risk  the  loss  of  the  small  force  sent.  We 
also  captured  and  destroyed  a  large  quantity  of  ammunition, 
small  arms  and  stores  belonging  to  the  rebel  armies. 

We  remained  here  all  night — slept  in  line  along  the  side  of 
the  road,  our  horses  hitched  to  the  fences  by  our  side.  This 
is  the  only  sleep  we  had  lying  down,  except  an  hour  or  two  at 
Knoxville,  since  the  night  after  we  crossed  the  Cumberland 
River,  five  days  before.  We  had  neither  bedding  nor  covering. 
My  place  in  the  line  brought  me  to  a  large  rock,  upon  which 
I  had  the  best  night's  sleep  lever  enjoyed.  We  slept  with  our 
guns  in  our  hands  and  our  horses  within  reach,  and  could 
have  been  ready  for  a  fight  or  a  flight  at  a  moment's  warning. 
We  were  up  and  away  with  the  morning  light  on  the  21st, 


442  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  about  10  o'clock  reached  the  small  village  of  Mossy  Creek. 
Here  we  captured  and  destroyed  a  locomotive  and  train  of 
cars,  and  a  large  amount  of  corn  and  tobacco  in  store  for  the 
use  of  the  rebel  army.  Here  the  boys  loaded  themselves  and 
horses  with  tobacco  to  carry  back  to  their  comrades  in  camp, 
but  for  several  reasons  very  little  of  it  was  ever  delivered  to 
them. 

We  stopped  this  day  and  cooked  our  dinners,  being  the  only 
warm  food  or  coffee  we  had  seen  since  crossing  the  Cumber 
land  Elver  eight  days  before.  Those  of  us  who  had  got  into 
the  Clinch  River  on  the  night  of  the  18th,  had  been  compelled 
to  eat  hardtack  soaked  with  water  and  then  soured  in  the  hot 
sun,  until  a  change  had  become  somewhat  of  a  necessity. 
Our  sugar  and  salt  had  melted  and  mixed,  and  these,  mingled 
with  our  soaked  and  soured  hardtack,  with  the  mold  and 
worms  naturally  belonging  to  the  hardtack,  made  living  upon 
it  for  any  great  length  of  time  somewhat  monotonous. 

After  dinner  we  moved  forward  again,  now  changing  our 
direction  to  the  north  and  moving  toward  the  Cumberland 
Mountains.  We  had  not  gone  far  until  we  saw7  a  woman  come 
out  of  a  house,  some  distance  from  the  road,  waving  her  sun- 
bonnet  and  calling  for  us  to  stop.  She  came  to  us  and  told;us 
that  a  brigade  of  rebels  was  formed  across  the  road  just  in 
front  of  us  waiting  for  us  to  come  up.  We  noticed  a  fork  in 
the  road  not  far  in  advance.  The  woman  told  us  the  enemy 
were  formed  upon  the  left  hand  road,  as  that  was  the  one 
leading  towards  the  mountains.  We  took  the  right  hand  road, 
and  riding  quietly  past  the  rebel  line,  struck  across  toward 
the  other  road  and  went  on  our  way.  One  of  our  men  search 
ing  for  a  horse  to  replace  one  given  out,  came  too  near  their 
line,  was  discovered  and  chased,  and  of  course  made  his  way 
to  us.  The  rebels  then  discovered  for  the  first  time  that  we 
had  passed  them. 

They  followed,  but  their  infantry  could  not  overtake  us,  and 
their  cavalry  dare  not  attack. 

About  sundown  this  day  we  came  to  a  valley  which  we  had 
to  cross.  We  saw  a  line  of  rebel  infantry  in  the  valley,  reach 
ing  as  far  as  we  could  see.  Selecting  the  thinnest  place  in  the 
line,  we  formed  and  charged  upon  them  in  a  gallop.  The  reb- 


THE  SAUNDERS  RAID  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.  443 

els  ran  in  every  direction  to  get  out  of  the  way,  forgetting  to 
fire  a  gun  until  after  we  had  passed  through  their  lines.  They 
then  iired  but  did  no  harm.  We  reached  a  road  ami  going  a 
short  distance  along  it,  a  woman  at  a  house  told  us  that 
about  four  thousand  rebels  had  passed  along  the  road  in  the 
same  direction  we  were  going  about  an  hour  before. 

We  went  along  this  road  cautiously  and  at  about  10  in  the 
evening  overtook  several  wagons.  Making  inquiries  we  found 
they  were  the  baggage  wagons  of  the  force  in  front.  We  pa 
roled  the  men  with  them,  and  as  the  wagons  were  very  dry, 
made  a  bonfire  of  them  in  the  road.  The  wagons  contained 
the  baggage  of  one  of  the  rebel  generals,  and  a  paymaster  with 
his  outfit.  We  placed  the  paymaster  in  good  shape  to  settle 
his  accounts  with  his  government  by  borrowing  his  funds,  so 
he  could  account  for  all  he  was  out  as  having  been  captured 
by  the  enemy.  The  boys  distributed  a  million  or  two  of  Con 
federate  money  among  themselves,  and  I  stuffed  ninety-odd 
thousand  dollars  of  it  into  my  horse's  empty  nose  sack. 

We  soon  took  another  road  from  the  gentlemen  in  front  of. 
us,  and  were  now  doing  our  best  to  get  out  of  Tennessee.  We 
had  the  whole  rebel  army  of  forty  thousand  men  behind,  be 
fore  and  all  around  us.  We  knew  they  had  sworn  vengeance 
upon  us,  and  we  believed  that  capture  would  be  certain  and 
speedy  death.  We  doubted  whether  the  acts  we  had  done 
were  authorized  by  the  laws  of  civilized  warfare,  and  therefore 
none  of  us  intended  to  be  taken  prisoners. 

At  about  11  o'clock  at  night,  while  riding  very  quietly  along, 
suddenly  a  volley  of  musketry  came  from  a  grove  of  timber  to 
our  right,  and  the  musket  balls  whistled  thickly  over  our  heads. 
We  were  startled,  but  paid  no  more  attention  to  it  arid  went 
quietly  on.  We  heard  no  more  from  it,  and  never  knew  who 
it  was  that  fired  upon  us.  We  did  not  return  a  shot. 

We  continued  on  all  night  and  all  day  the  23d  without  see 
ing  or  hearing  further  of  the  enemy,  keeping  on  by-roads 
mostly,  until  about  5  o'clock,  while  riding  along  a  ridge  on 
a  wood  road,  we  suddenly  came  to  the  edge  of  Powell's  Valley 
again.  On  the  other  side  of  this  valley  were  the  Cumberland. 
Mountains,  and  if  \ve  could  once  get  into  them  we  were  safe. 
But  as  we  went  along  we  heard  loud  voices  giving  commands 


444  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

in  the  valley  below  us.  We  knew  every  gap  in  the  mountains 
was  blockaded,  and  that  the  whole  rebel  army  of  Tennessee 
was  in  this  valley,  determined  to  cut  off  and  destroy  us.  Go 
ing  to  the  edge  of  the  timber  on  the  ridge,  we  saw  that  the  val 
ley  was  filled  with  men,  artillery  and  cavalry,  moving  about  in 
all  directions.  There  was  but  one  thing  to  do.  We  took  axes 
and  cut  the  spokes  out  of  our  artillery  wheels  and  let  the  guns 
fall  to  the  ground.  We  then  spiked  the  guns,  turned  our  extra 
mules  and  horses  loose,  after  mounting  the  artillerymen,  tight 
ened  our  belts  around  us,  and  formed  in  line. 

Powell's  Valley  was  here  about  a  mile  wide,  and  just  across 
it,  opposite  where  we  were,  was  a  very  high,  steep  and  rugged 
mountain,  covered  with  timber  and  immense  ledges  of  rock. 
WTe  rode  down  the  ridge  toward  the  valley  quietly,  in  line  of 
battle.  We  reached  the  foot  of  the  ridge,  and  rode  out  into 
the  plain  at  a  walk  toward  a  line  of  rebel  infantry  and  caval 
ry  a  few  hundred  yards  in  front  of  us.  When  within  a  couple 
of  hundred  yards  of  them  they  seemed  to  have  discovered  for 
the  first  time  who  we  were.  A  few  scattered  shots  were  fired 
at  us,  when  we  gave  them  a  solid  volley,  and  driving  the  spurs 
into  the  sides  of  our  horses,  we  charged,  helter-skelter,  upon 
and  over  them,  and  struck  straight  for  the  side  of  the  moun 
tain  in  front.  We  started  up  its  side,  and  the  rebel  forces  by 
thousands  closed  in  around  its  foot,  and  bringing  their  artil 
lery,  shelled  us  as  we  went  up. 

The  mountain  side  was  so  rough  and  ragged  that  we  could 
not  ride,  arid  dismounting,  we  hauled  and  lifted  and  pushed 
the  horses  over  rocks,  ravines  and  fallen  timber,  until  it  be 
came  dark.  It  was  a  very  hot  night,  and  our  throats  were 
parched  with  thirst  and  filled  with  dust.  Of  course  our  lines 
were  broken  and  every  man  was  acting  for  himself.  Most  of 
the  112th  men  kept  together,  however,  and  helped  each  other 
along,  but  it  so  happened  that  we  got  into  the  worst  part  of 
the  mountain  and  our  progress  was  slow.  The  other  portion 
of  our  force,  therefore,  reached  the  top  of  the  mountain  long 
before  we  did.  We  did  riot  reach  the  top  until  about  midnight, 
and  when  we  did  reach  it  the  remainder  of  the  force  had  long 
before  passed  on,  taking  all  the  guides  with  them,  and  we  knew 
not  in  what  direction  or  where  to  go. 


THE  SAUNDEBS  EAID  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.          445 

But  the  worst  of  all  was,  that  we  found  that  the  rebels  were 
amongst  us.  We  heard  men  whispering  and  conferring  to 
gether  near  us,  and  sometimes  in  the  starlight  we  could  see 
men  with  white  rebel  blankets  around  them,  moving  around 
among  the  trees.  We  were  still  in  too  strong  force  for  them  to 
attempt  our  capture,  but  they  probably  thought  they  had  us 
safe  anyhow  We  here  held  a  council  as  to  what  we  should  do. 
We  concluded  that  our  only  hope  of  safety  was  to  wait  until 
moonlight  or  daylight,  and  then  try  to  find  our  way  out.  We 
did  not  dare  follow  anyone,  for  we  might  be  following  a  rebel 
right  into  their  line7.  Many  times  persons  would  call  to  us 
to  come  that  way  or  this  way ;  but  we,  at  least,  believed  them 
to  be  rebels  and  did  not  dare  follow  them.  We  were  suffering 
terribly  from  thirst,  and  concluded  first  to  search  for  water. 
None  had  been  seen  since  we  came  up  the  mountain  side,  and 
the  only  hope  we  had  of  getting  any  was  by  digging  for  it. 

It  was  so  dark  that  we  could  not  see  a  favorable  place  to  dig. 
so  we  tied  our  horses  to  trees  and  went  along  feeling  with  our 
feet  for  places  in  the  ground  where  we  would  be  most  likely  to 
find  water.  I  had  my  naked  sword  in  my  hand  and  was  using 
it  to  part  the  bushes  and  discover  any  obstacle  in  the  dark. 
Presently  I  thought  I  felt  a  depression  in  the  ground,  and  the 
dead  leaves  under  my  feet  rustled  as  if  they  were  somewhat 
damp.  I  said  to  the  men  near  me,  in  a  loud  whisper — which 
was  the  way  we  communicated  with  each  other — that  I  believ 
ed  I  had  found  a  good  place  to  get  water.  They  came  toward 
me,  but  as  I  was  about  to  get  down  on  my  knees  to  dig  with 
my  hands,  suddenly  there  sounded  at  my  very  feet  the  loud 
rattle  of  a  rattlesnake,  and  instantly  it  seemed  as  if  a  hundred 
snakes  were  rattling  on  every  side  of  us.  We  knew  at  once 
that  we  were  in  a  rattlesnake  den.  We  expected  every  minute 
to  feel  their  fangs  piercing  our  flesh,  which  then  and  there 
would  have  been  certain  death,  as  we  had  no  antidote  nor 
physician  to  assist  us.  But  we  stood  perfectly  still  and  after 
a  minute  or  two  of  continuous  rattling  it  gradually  ceased, 
and  we  could  hear  the  reptiles  crawling  in  the  leaves.  I  then 
took  ray  sword,  and  after  striking  it  around  me  in  every  di 
rection,  to  drive  awav  those  near  us,  we  turned  around,  and 


446  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

step  by  step  slowly  walked  out  until  we  reached  a  fallen  tree, 
and  getting  on  that  were  safely  out  of  the  den. 

But  we  got  no  water.  We  concluded  then  that  we  would  lie 
down  and  rest  until  it  became  light  enough  to  see  where  we 
were  going.  We,  seven  men  of  Co.  G,  lay  down  together,  and 
the  next  thing  I  remember  was  feeling  a  pain  in  my  side,  and 
suddenly  waking  up  I  saw  that  it  was  daylight,  and  that  it  was 
Tom  Townsend's  elbow  that  was  giving  me  the  pain.  Tom 
whispered  to  me  that  two  men  clothed  in  gray  uniforms  had 
come  to  where  we  were,  looked  at  us,  whispered  together  for  a 
minute  or  two,  pointed  down  the  mountain  toward  where  the 
rebels  were,  and  had  just  that  moment  gone  away. 

We  woke  up  ail  the  men  at  once,  and  fortunately  finding  our 
horses  near  us,  started  away  to  the  north.  We  had  gone  only 
a  few  steps  when  we  found  Lieut.  Brown,  of  Co.  E,  and  quite 
a  number  of  other  men  of  the  112th  who  had  also  been  left  on 
the  mountain.  We  all  got  away  from  there,  however,  as  fast 
as  we  could,  finding  some  of  our  men  as  we.  went  along,  com 
ing  out  from  behind  trees  and  rocks  as  they  saw  who  we  were. 

Finally  we  found  that  we  were  going  down  the  north  side  of 
the  mountain,  and  we  soon  heard  the  sound  of  water  in  front 
of  us,  and  instantly  men  and  horses,  all  together,  made  a  rush 
in  the.  direction  of  the  sound.  We  were  in  a'sort  of  path,  like 
a  deer  trail,  among  the  rocks,  and  as  we  got  near  the  water 
the  trail  became  narrower  and  narrower,  until  finally  it  be 
came  so  narrow  between  the  ledges  of  rock  that  a  horse  could 
not  squeeze  through.  We  then  abandoned  our  horses,  and 
climbing  the  rocks,  made  our  way  to  the  water,  and  lying 
down,  some  in  and  some  on  the  bank  of  the  small  mountain 
rivulet,  we  enjoyed  a  drink  of  pure  mountain  water. 

When  we  had  satisfied  our  thirst  we  began  to  consider  what 
was  the  best  to  do.  About  forty  of  us  were  together.  We 
concluded  that  every  outlet  from  the  mountains  must  by  this 
time  be  guarded,  and  that  our  best  chance  would  be  to  aban 
don  our  horses  and  try  to  steal  our  way  through  the  moun 
tains.  We  concluded  that  it  would  be  hopeless  to  try  to  fight, 
as  that  would  only  delay  us  and  bring  the  whole  rebel  force 
upon  our  track.  We  therefore  broke  up  and  destroyed  our 
guns,  revolvers  and  swords,  that  they  might  not  be  of  use  to 


THE  SAUNDERS  RAID  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.          447 

the  enemy ;  cut  up  our  saddles  and  bridles,  threw  away  all 
surplus  clothing  and  divested  ourselves  of  everything  that 
would  delay  or  retard  us.  I  had  to  part  with  my  little  gray 
mare  that  had  carried  me  over  every  obstacle  that  I  had  en 
countered,  that  had  eaten  hardtack  out  of  my  hand  when  I 
had  nothing  else  to  give  her,  and  that  I  had  always  found  by 
my  side  when  I  wanted  her.  She  had  become  a  pet  and  was 
as  dear  to  me  as  any  friend  I  ever  had.  I  was  not  the  only 
one,  however,  of  our  ]Tarty  who  shed  tears  when  parting  for- 
•ever  from  our  noble  horses.  I  had  about  a  quart  of  corn  meal 
in  a  sack,  which  I  divided,  taking  about  a  pint  in  my  pants 
pocket— I  had  torn  up  and  thrown  away  my  coat— and  gave 
the  remainder  to  my  horse. 

We  started  from  here  toward  the  north,  in  Indian  file,  three 
of  the  men  with  us  keeping  their  guns  and  some  ammunition. 
At  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  we  came  in  sight  of  a 
clearing  on  the  side  of  the  mountain  we  were  climbing  over. 
We  had  had  nothing  to  eat  since  the  day  before,  and  conclud 
ed  to  reconnoiter  the  place  and  see  if  we  could  find  some 
thing.  By  gathering  a  piece  here  and  there  from  one  and  an 
other,  we  finally  secured  a  suit  of  citizen's  clothing,  and  select 
ing  one  of  the  longest  haired,  lankest  and  most  awkward  look 
ing  spldier  in  the  squad,  we  dressed  him  up  as  a  Tennessee 
mountaineer,  as  near  as  we  could,  and  sent  him  to  the  house 
in  the  clearing.  We  watched  him  go  in,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
he  came  out  and  motioned  to  us.  A  few  of  us  went  down  to  the 
house,  and  there  we  found  Major  Dow  and  Capt.  John  L.  Dow 
with  more  of  our  men.  We  also  found  hid  in  the  house  a  gen 
uine  Tennessee  mountaineer,  whom  we  at  once  pressed  into 
service  as  a  guide.  We  doubted  his  loyalty  to  the  Union,  but 
we  placed  him  in  front,  and  two  men  with  guns  immediately 
behind  him,  and  instructed  the  men  in  his  hearing  that  at  the 
first  sign  of  danger  to  at  once  shoot  the  guide.  We  then  told 
him  to  guide  us  by  the  most  unfrequented  paths  to  the  Cum 
berland  River. 

But  we  found  nothing  whatever  to  eat,  as  the  people  in  these 
mountains  seemed  to  be  poorer  than  the  rocks  themselves. 
We  started  on  our  long  journey  and  marched  all  the  first  day, 
occasionally  finding  some  of  our  men  scattered  along  our  route. 


448  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

The  evening  of  the  first  day  we  had  two  hundred  men,  but 
with  only  nine  guns  among  the  whole  number.  We  placed  two 
men  with  guns  in  advance"?  and  seven  in  the  rear.  We  could 
not  hope  to  light  any  force  we  might  meet  in  front,  but  the 
guns  in  the  rear  might  check  any  force  in  that  direction  until 
we  could  scatter  and  some  of  us,  perhaps,  escape.  We  kept 
on  all  the  first  night,  the  night  of  June  23d.  At  daylight  we 
lay  down  in  the  wroods  and  slept  until  ab^ut  nine  o'clock,  when 
we  got  up  and  away  again. 

At  about  11  o'clock  we  came  to  a  little  cabin  in  the  mount 
ains,  occupied  by  a  woman  and  two  or  three  children,  and 
searched  it  for  something  to  eat ;  but  found  nothing.  We  fin 
ally  saw  a  little  fenced  in  lot  near  the  house,  arid  going  there 
found  a  bed  of  young  cabbages  with  a  few  small  leaves  on. 
We  made  for  them,  and  in  less  than  two  minutes  the  cabbage 
lot  was  a  bleak  and  desolate  plain.  I  got  one  small  plant  for 
my  share  and  ate  it,  root,  branch,  dirt  and  all. 

We  traveled  on  all  day  the  24th  and  about  two  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  we  came  to  another  mountain  cabin  occupied  by 
two  women  and  some  children,  but  here  they  did  not  have  ev 
en  a  few  cabbage  plants  to  eat.  We  finally  convinced  them 
that  we  were  Union  soldiers  trying  to  escape,  when  they  told 
us  that  their  husbands  had  gone  through  to  Kentucky  and 
were  then  in  the  Union  army.  They  then  brought  out  from  a 
bed-tick  a  peck  of  corn  meal  and  offered  it  to  us,  but  assured 
us  that  it  was  everything  they  had  in  the  wrorld  to  eat,  and  as 
we  saw  five  or  six  children  around  the  house,  hungry  as  we 
were,  we  refused  to  touch  their  meal.  They  told  us  that  two 
separate  companies  of  rebel  cavalry  had  been  at  their  house 
that  day  inquiring  for  "Yanks",  and  saying  that  a  lot  of  them 
were  lost  in  the  mountains  somewhere.  They  told  the  women 
they  were  going  to  catch  and  hang  them  as  soon  as  found,  for 
these  "Yanks"  had  been  murdering  people  and  burning  houses 
all  through  East  Tennessee.  The  women  cautioned  us  to  be 
very  careful,  as  the  mountains  were  filled  with  rebels.  They 
gave  our  guide  full  instructions  as  to  the  best  route  to  take, 
and  wishing  us  all  sorts  of  good  fortune,  sent  us  on. 

Near  sundown  this  day  we  suddenly  came  to  a  well  traveled 
highway,  crossing  our   path  at  right  angles.    There  was  no 


THE  SAXTNDERS  RAID  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.          449 

way  to  avoid  crossing  it,  but  it  was  a  dangerous  point,  as  we 
believed  every  place  along  this  road  must  be  guarded.  We 
finally  found  a  dense  thicket  of  low  bushes  extending  up  to  the 
side  of  the  road.  We  got  into  this  thicket  and  arranged  that 
one  man  at  a  time  should  cross  the  road  as  rapidly  as  possi 
ble,  at  the  same  time  looking  up  and  down  the  road  jind  giv 
ing  warning  if  anyone  was  seen,  when  all  would  scatter  and 
do  the  best  they  could  to  save  themselves.  About  sundown 
we  were  all  safely  across,  without  discovery.  We  felt  almost 
safe  after  crossing  this  road  ;  and  going  a  couple  of  hundred 
yards  into  the  woods  we  concluded  to  camp,  as  we  were  utterly 
worn  out.  A  party  was  sent  out  to  quietly  reconnoiter,  arid 
about  nine  o'clock  at  night  came  in  with  a  side  of  bacon.  We 
divided  this  up  as  well  as  we  could,  but  it  did  not  go  far  with 
two  hundred  men.  I  got  a  piece  of  pure  fat  an  inch  long  and 
about  as  large  around  as  my  fore  finger.  We  ate  our  meat 
raw,  in  the  dark  ;  and  this  was  the  first  and  only  bite  of  food 
of  any  kind  any  of  us  had  had  since  four  days  before,  except 
the  handful  of  meal  I  had  in  my  pocket,  which  I  divided  with 
some  of  my  comrades.  We  lay  down  on  the  dry  leaves  and 
soon  forgot  our  troubles  and  dangers  in  sweet  and  refreshing 
sleep.  I  remember  of  waking  suddenly  about  midnight,  with  a 
terrible  fear  creeping  over  me.  I  was  wide  awake  in  a  second, 
and  my  first  thought  was  that  something  terrible  was  about  to 
spring  upon  me  as  I  lay  upon  the  ground.  I  scarcely  breath 
ed.  The  night  was  dark,  the  leaves  were  thick  upon  the  trees, 
and  a  star  here  and  there  in  the  sky  was  all  that  could  be  seen. 
A  very  slight  breeze  now  and  then  stirred  the  leaves  above  us 
a  little ;  but  the  night  was  so  quiet  and  still  that  it 
seemed  as  if  the  stillness  could  almost  be  felt.  It  did  not 
seem  that  the  danger  was  from  any  living  thing,  but  as  if  some 
thing  ghostly  or  supernatural  was  near  me. 

Presently  I  heard  a  rustling  in  the  dead  leaves  near  me.  I 
thought  at  once  that  some  wild  animals  were  among  us.  But 
in  a  moment  I  heard  the  leaves  rustling  in  several  directions. 
I  then  thought  that  the  enemy  were  among  us  at  last,  and 
that  we  would  be  captured  just  as  we  began  to  think  there  was 
some  hope  of  our  escape.  Perhaps  they  were  quietly  num- 
—85 


450  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

beriug  our  raen  in  their  heavy   sleep,  as  they  found  them. 

I  was  about  to  creep  away  and  escape,  when  I  thought  I 
recognized  Major  Dow's  whisper  by  my  side.  I  reached  my 
hand  out  and  touched  him  and  whispered  very  law,  "Is  this 
you,  Major?"  He  replied,  "Yes,  but  don't  move  or  speak  yet." 
He  took«iny  hand  and  led  me  quietly  off  some  distance,  where 
we  found  Capt.  Dow  and  some  other  officers.  The  Major  then 
whispered,  "Here  is  a  little  girl,  fourteen  years  old,  who  lives 
at  the  house  where  we  found  the  women  this  afternoon.  She 
says  that  very  soon  after  we  left  the  house  fifteen  hundred  reb 
el  cavalry  came  to  the  house  on  our  trail,  swearing  vengeance 
against  us."  They  asked  the  women  which  way  we  had  gone, 
how  many  there  were  of  us,  arid  swore  they  were  going  to  hang 
us  whenever  they  found  us.  The  women  told  them  we  had 
gone  in  a  different  direction  from  the  one  we  really  took,  but 
the  rebels  did  not  believe  them,  and  were  then  on  our  track. 
The  girl  said  the  rebels  were  at  the  house  about  sundown,  and 
were  then  following  us.  She  also  said  the  women,  one  of 
whom  was  her  mother,  got  her  out  and  told  her  to  take  through 
the  mountains  ahead  of  the  rebels,  and  warn  us  of  the  danger. 

The  little  girl  had  come  on  this  dark  night  over  seven  miles 
through  the  rough  wild  mountains,  filled  with  savage  animals 
and  poisonous  serpents,  to  tell  us  of  our  danger.  While  she 
was  whispering  this  to  us  we  heard  the  clank  of  sabers  on  the 
road  near  us.  It  was  rebel  cavalry  passing  along  the  road.. 
We  listened,  but  they  passed  by  without  discovering  us. 

We  asked  tlie-little  girl,  small  of  her  age  and  but  a  child, 
what  we  could  do  for  her.  She  told  us  that  she  wanted  noth 
ing,  and  now  that  she  had  found  and  told  us,  she  would  go 
back  home.  We  offered  to  send  a  guard  back  with  her,  but 
she  said  she  was  not  afraid  and  wanted  no  guard.  The  Maj 
or  lighted  a  match  and  found  that  it  was  one  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  The  Major  asked  if  any  of  us  had  any  money,  and 
everyone  contributed  all  the  money  he  had,  and  we  thus  raised 
seven  dollars  and  a  few  cents  and  gave  it  to  the  girl.  It  was 
all  w;e  could  do.  She  refused  the  money,  and  seemed  astonish 
ed  that  we  thought  she  had  done  anything  worthy  of  thanks 
even.  But  we  finally  forced  the  money  upon  her,  and  each 
one  pressed  her  hand  and  thanked  her  for  what  she  had  done 


THE  SAUNDEKS  KAID  INTO  E.  TENNESSEE.          451 

for  us.  We  took  up  our  lonely  walk  again,  leaving  her  to 
make  the  best  of  her  way  home  through  the  lonely  mountains. 
We  never  heard  of  her  afterwards. 

All  this  occupied  but  a  few  minutes,  and  we  were  soon  on 
our  route  away  from  the  danger  that  menaced  us.  I  have  no 
doubt  the  courage  and  loyalty  of  that  little  girl  saved  many, 
if  not  all,  of  our  lives  ;  and  no  one  who  remembers  that  peril 
ous  night  can  ever  forget  the  little  girl  who  warned  us  of  our 
danger.  She  gave  us  her  name,  but  I  am  sorry  to  say  I  have 
forgotten  it.  How  I  should  like  to  see  and  thank  again  that 
brave  loyal  little  mountain  girl,  for  her  brave  act. 

We  marched  all  that  night  and  the  day  following,  and  the 
next  evening  reached  the  settlements  at  the  foot  of  the  moun 
tains,  near  the  Cumberland  River.  We  were  still  inside  the 
enemy's  lines,  but  felt  comparatively  safe,  and  as  we  were  suffer 
ing  from  hunger  we  separated  to  search  for  food.  The  men  of 
Co.  Gr  remained  together,  and  finding  a  farm  house  we  got  a 
good  supper  and  safe  place  to  sleep.  The  next  day  we  crossed 
the  river  and  four  days  afterward  joined  our  forces. 

We  found  that  the  main  body  of  our  force  had  found  its  way 
out  the  night  we  were  driven  up  the  mountain,  and  they  all  es 
caped  with  their  horses  and  without  trouble,  l^i  Powell's  Val 
ley  four  men  belonging  to  our  hospital  were  captured,  but  as 
they  were  non-combatants  they  were  paroled  and  released  soon 
after.  In  fact  the  live  men  drowned  in  Clinch  River  were  the 
only  men  we  really  lost  during  the  whole  trip.  We  had  two 
or  three  wounded,  but  none  seriously. 

Too  much  can  never  be  said  of  the  loyalty  and  devotion  to 
the  Union  shown  by  the  people,  and  especially  the  women  of 
East  Tennessee.  At  the  risk  of  their  lives  they  aided  us  in 
every  way  in  their  power.  Utter  strangers  though  we  were, 
and  engaged  in  raiding  and  destroying  property  in  their  coun 
try,  yet  we  found  them  always  ready  to  give  us  invaluable  in 
formation  and  assistance. 

East  of  Knoxville  we  found  women  standing  by  the  roadside 
with  buckets  of  water,  to  give  us  as  we  passed  along ;  and  at 
Xew  Market,  especially,  we  found  young  ladies,  well  dressed 
and  beautiful,  standing  at  the  gates  of  the  residences,  with 
platters  loaded  with  pie  and  cake  for  each  soldier.  This  part 


452  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

of  our  raid  was  more  like  a  pic-nic  than  war.  Word  had  some 
how  been  conveyed  to  the  loyal  people  that  we  would  be  there 
about  a  certain  time,  and  they  had  cooked  provisions  and  pre 
pared  purposely  for  us,  but  not  a  whisper  was  conveyed  to  the 
enemy. 

Justice  has  never  yet  been  done  by  historians  to  the  bravery 
and  loyalty  of  the  people  of  East  Tennessee  and  the  moun 
taineers  of  the  Cumberland  and  Smoky  ranges.  It  was  at  the 
hazard  not  only  of  property,  but  of  life  itself,  that  they  dared 
to  express  any  love  for  the  Union  or  the  old  flag.  Yet  there 
were  men  and  women,  and  children,  too,  in  Tennessee,  who 
daily  took  all  the  chances  when  there  was  anything  they  could 
do  for  the  Union  or  Union  men.  No  soldier,  who  was  on  the 
Saunders  Kaid,  at  least,  can  ever  forget  the  loyalty  of  the  East 
Tennesseans,  or  of  the  mountaineers  of  Kentucky. 

The  foregoing  are  some  of  the  incidents  of  the  Saunders 
Eaid.  One  of  the  first,  and  in  its  results  and  the  little  loss 
sustained,  the  most  successful  raid  during  the  war.  I  have 
never  seen  any  report  of  it  in  any  history  of  the  war,  and 
many  of  the  incidents  connected  with  it  I  had  forgotten,  until 
I  found  among  some  old  papers  a  letter  I  had  written  to  my 
wife  just  after  ^our  return  to  Kentucky,  giving  her  a  history  of 
it.  From  this,  and  after  refreshing  my  recollection  when 
meeting  with  comrades  who  were  through  it  with  me,  I  have 
compiled  the  foregoing  narrative,  wrhich  I  think  will  be  found 
substantially  correct. 


ESCAPE  OF  CHARLES  T.  GOSS 
FROM  THE  PRISON  AT  ANDERSONVILLE. 

,rCompiled  by  B.  F.  THOMPSON  from  a  letter  written  by  Goss.j 


Charles  T.  Goss,  of  Co.  I,  112th  Illinois,  was  captured  with 
Capt.  Wilkins  and  many  others  of  the  same  company,  at  Rice- 
ville,  in  East  Tennessee,  on  the  26th  of  September,  1863. 
They  were  sent  to  Richmond,  Va.,  and  there  confined  in  an 
old  tobacco  factory  near  Libby  Prison.  After  remaining  there 
a  few  weeks  they  wrere  loaded  on  freight  cars  and  sent  to  Dan 
ville,  Va.  During  the  night,  while  the  train  eijpped  at  a  sta 
tion,  Goss  eluded  the  guards,  escaped  from  the  car  and  con 
cealed  himself  among  some  trees  and  underbrush  at  the  foot 
of  a  hill  near  a  stream  of  water. 

As  the  train  pulled  out  he  heard  a  few  shots  fired  and  the 
guards  shouting,  and  feared  his  absence  had  been  discovered, 
and  that  search  would  be  made  for  him.  But  the  train  mov 
ed  off,  and  Goss  struck  out  into  the  country.  He  called  at  a 
fewr  negro  cabins  for  something  to  eat,  which  was  cheerfully 
furnished  him,  and  was  making  good  progress  out  of  the  Con 
federacy  when  he  was  attacked  with  a  fever  and  compelled  to 


454  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

seek  rest  in  a  haystack.  Here  he  was  discovered  by  a  farmer, 
while  asleep  one  morning ;  and  with  gun  in  hand  the  farmer 
marched  him  to  the  nearest  railway  station  and  he  was  sent 
to  Danville.  In  the  spring  the  prisoners  were  sent  to  Ander- 
sonville.  Goss  was  constantly  studying  some  plan  of  escape. 
One  day  he  was  one  of  a  squad  of  prisoners  sent  outside  the 
stockade  to  gather  wood. 

Watching  his  opportunity,  he  dodged  behind  some  trees  out 
of  sight  of  the  guards,  and  again  made  an  effort  to  escape. 
He  traveled  all  day  and  the  following  night;  but  just  at  day 
break  the  next  morning  he  heard  the  baying  and  yelping  of 
blood-hounds,  and  rightly  conjecturing  that  they  were  upon 
his  track,  turned  into  the  yard  of  a  farm  house  near  by.  With 
the  assistance  rf  a  woman  at  the  house,  he  succeeded  in  keep 
ing  the  dogs  off  until  two  men,  who  were  following  them  on 
horseback,  came  up.  and  he  was  again  a  prisoner.  The  wo 
man  gave  him  a  lunch ;  and  he  was  then  taken  in  a  buggy 
through  the  g:een  iields  and  forests  back  to  Andersonville. 
Here  Goss  and  some  others  who  had  been  recaptured  in  other 
directions  were  taken  before  Wirtz,  who  eyed  them  sharply, 
and  remarking,  "Dese  tain  Yankees  give  me  so  much  trouble  I 
don't  know  what  to  do  mit  'em,"  ordered  them  into  the  prison 
without  punishment  —contrary  to  his  usual  practice. 

Goss  then  feigned  sickness,  to  get  to  the  hospital,  where  he 
thought  he  might  more  easily  escape.  On  the  morning  of  the 
3d  of  June,  1864,  the  prison  surgeons  were  examining  sick 
prisoners  at  one  of  the  gates  of  the  stockade.  This  gate  was 
double — an  inner  gate,  then  an  open  space,  and  then  the  out 
er  gate.  The  prisoners  passed  through  the  inner  gate,  then 
turned  to  the  right  and  passed  down  to  the  surgeons'  stand. 
Two  guards,  with  fixed  bayonets,  were  stationed  at  each  of 
the  gates,  while  other  guards,  in  charge  of  sergeants  and  cor 
porals,  were  stationed  above  and  around  the  prisoners. 

Goss  passed  through  the  inside  gate  and  down  toward  the 
surgeons'  stand,  when,  suddenly,  and  without  previous 
reflection,  he  hastily  retraced  his  steps,  and  taking  a  piece  of 
writing  paper  from  his  pocket,  straightened  up,  and  walked 
boldly  out  between  the  guards  at  the  outside  gate,  who  sup 
posed  the  paper  was  his  parole  and  that  he  was  going  out  to 


ESCAPE  FROM  ANDERSONYILLE.  4/55 

work.  He  walked  to  the  line  of  prisoners  who  were  waiting  to 
be  sent  to  the  hospital,  displayed  his  paper  and  said  a  few 
words  to  them,  thence  to  a  squad  of  guards  and  paroled  pris 
oners  who  were  buying  pies  of  a  woman,  and  then  to  the  cook 
house,  where  some  of  the  prisoners  were  at  work.  One  of 
these  advised  him  to  go  to  the  tents  of  the  1st  Kentucky  cav 
alry  (Col.  Wolford's  regiment)  near  by.  He  did  so,  and  found 
them  friendly.  They  were  on  parole,  and  employed  to  cut 
wood  outside  the  lines.  They  gave  him  some  provisions,  put 
the  parole  mark  on  him,  placed  an  ax  on  his  shoulder,  and  all 
marched  out  through  the  picket  lines  into  the  woods.  Here 
he  shook  hands  with  the  Kentuckians  and  parted  from  them. 
The  day  was  misty,  followed  by  several  rainy  days,  which 
probably  prevented  the  dogs  from  following  him.  He  was  so 
weak  he  could  hardly  walk — staggered  like  a  drunken  man. 
He  traveled  fifteen  miles  south  and  then  took  a  westerly  course 
into  Alabama.  Until  he  reached  the  mountainous  regions  of 
Alabama  he  traveled  at  night,  and  slept  in  the  day-time  ;  but 
once  in  the  mountains  he  traveled  by  daylight  and  slept  at 
night.  He  slept  in  gin-houses,  barns,  unoccupied  sheds  and 
negro  cabins.  One  night  he  slept  under  a  tree,  and  as  he 
awoke  at  day-break  a  huge  snake  glided  away  from  him.  He 
traveled  one  whole  day  in  the  forest,  and  at  night  came  to  the 
place  from  where  he  had  started  in  the  morning — -having  un 
consciously  walked  in  a  circle.  He  was  supplied  with  provi 
sions  by  the  negroes— who  were  ever  faithful  friends — until  he 
reached  Alabama,  where  he  found  many  Union  white  people, 
who  assisted  him,  supplied  him  with  provisions,  and  directed 
him  on  his  way. 

He  crossed  from  Georgia  into  Alabama  at  Columbus,  on 
the  Ghattahoochee  River,  and  then  proceeding  north,  reached 
the  Union  lines  at  Rome,  Ga.,  on  the  4th  of  July,  186*4 ;  and 
his  persistent  determination  to  escape  from  the  rebels  was  fi 
nally  rewarded  with  success.  He  endured  many  hardships, 
suffered  many  times  with  hunger  and  fatigue ;  but  freedom 
from  rebel  cruelties  and  the  restraints  of  prison  life  more  than 
repaid  him ;  and  then  the  satisfaction  of  having  successfully 
eluded  the  vigilance  of  the  officers  and  guards  was  alone  worth 
many  days  of  hunger  and  weary  wandering  in  the  mountains. 


CAPTURE,  PRISON  LIFE  AND  ESCAPE 

OF 

GEOKGE  W.  NICHOLAS, 

OF    COMPANY   E,   112TH   ILLINOIS. 


Written  bv  himself.     Edited  bv  B.  F.  THOMPSON." 


On  the  15th  of  November,  18(53,  while  the  112th  Illinois  was 
re  sting  at  Lenoir,  in  East  Tennessee,  and  discussing  the  prob 
ability  of  going  into  "winter  quarters," — on  the  strength  of 
which  the  orderly  sergeant  of  my  company  and  I  had  built  a 
log  cabin,  and  part  of  the  9th  Army  Corps  had  torn  down  a 
church  and  used  the  lumber  in  the  erection  of  shanties, — one 
of  the  pickets  stationed  at  Park's  Ferry,  on  the  Holston  Kiver. 
came  into  camp  sick,  and  I  was  detailed  to  take  his  place;  so 
I  saddled  my  little  sorrel  horse,  and  taking  my  trusty  Enfield, 
started  for  the  picket  post, — glad  to  get  away  from  camp, — es 
pecially  as  I  had  been  informed  there  was  excellent  foraging 
in  the  country  near  the  river. 

Little  did  I  think,  as  I  left  camp,  that  fifteen  long  months 
would  elapse  before  I  should  again  see  the  officers  and  com 
rades  of  my  company,  but  such  was  the  case. 

The  picket  post  wras  about  four  miles  south  east  of  Camp 
bell's  Station,  where  the  battle  with  Longstreet  was  fought  the 
next  day.  There  were  twenty  pickets,  divided  into  two  squads 
of  ten  men  each — one  occupying  a  log  cabin  on  the  north  bank 
of  the  Holston,  and  one  another  cabin  about  forty  rods  north, 
on  the  road  to  Campbell's  Station — both  in  command  of  Serg. 
Solomon  Dixon,  of  Co.  E,  of  the  112th. 

The  picket  post  was  in  a  bend  of  the  river ;  and  we  were  or 
dered  by  Capt.  Otman,  officer  of  the  guard,  to  hold  the  position 
until  relieved  or  driven  back  by  the  rebels.  We  wrere  relieved 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  457 

sooner  than  we  expected.  We  were  enjoying  ourselves  hugely, 
shooting  squirrels  and  pigs,  and  digging  potatoes,  and  had 
made  arrangements  to  go  up  the  river,  the  second  night  after 
I  joined  the  pickets,  to  kill  "Aunt  Susie's"  pet  bear,  and  have 
a  general  feast.  But  the  fortunes  of  war  changed  our  plans. 
Before  night  came  some  of  Longstreet's  Texans  made  their 
appearance  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  claimed  the 
hear,  and  told  us  we  had  better  "git  out  of  thar,"  or  we  would 
be  captured.  We  didn't  dispute  their  title  to  the  bear,  but  we 
refused  to  "git."  One  very  intelligent  rebel  came  down  to  the 
water's  edge  and  held  a  lengthy  conversation  with  us.  He  said 
he  had  formerly  lived  in  Illinois,  and  had  a  cousin  in  the  112th 
Illinois  by  the  name  of  Thompson,  and  was  anxious  to  learn 
something  about  him.  He  said  we  would  all  be  on  our  way  to 
Atlanta  the  next  day  if  we  didn't  leave  there,  and  advised  us 
to  get  away  while  we  could.  But  we  did  not  leave,  all  the 
same.  Our  sergeant  said  his  orders  were  to  remain  there  un 
til  reliv red  by  Union  soldiers,  of  driven  back,  and  Jje  proposed 
to  obey  orders  whatever  might  be  the  consequences.  He  didn't 
intend  to  be  relieved  by  a  rebel  detail,  nor  to  fall  back  until 
compelled  to.  During  the  day  the  Union  forces  retired  from  . 
Lenoir.  They  made  a  stand  at  Campbell's  Station,  but  by 
night  were  above  Concord,  and  we  were  doing  picket  duty  in 
rear  of  the  rebel  army. 

Serg.  Dixon  encouraged  us  by  saying  we  would  soon  be  re 
lieved,  and  he  sent  two  men  up  towards  Concord  to  see  what 
the  rebels  were  doing,  Before  they  returned  our  relief  squad 
came.  It  consisted  of  one  hundred  men  of  the  5th  Georgia 
cavalry.  They  said  we  were  wanted  at  Concord.  They  must 
have  placed  a  high  estimate  upon  our  lighting  qualities  (as 
they  knew  our  numbers,  and  had  a  trusty  guide)  to  send  one 
hundred  men  to  capture  twenty  "high  privates."  While  re 
turning  from  the  Saunders  Raid  into  East  Tennessee,  in  the 
preceding  summer,  the  Unjion  force  was  surrounded ;  and  this 
same  5th  Georgia  cavalry  formed  in  line  of  battle  between  the 
detachment  of  the  112th  and  the  foot  of  the  mountain  to  pre 
vent  us%  from  reaching  the  mountain  road ;  and  we  charged 
upon  them  and  put  them  to  flight, — so  we  found  ourselves 
among  old  acquaintances.  They  were  very  clever  and  socia- 


458  HISTOEY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

ble  boys,  treated  us  respectfully  and  permitted  us  to  ride  our 
horses  to  Concord.  On  the  road  a  rebel  soldier  heard  the  tick 
of  William  Barr  s  watch,  and  requested  Barr  to  hand  it  over 
to  him,  but  they  took  no  clothing  nor  money  from  us.  We 
reached  camp  about  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  were  al 
lowed  to  sit  by  a  good  tire  until  daylight.  By  sunrise  the 
camp  was  astir  and  the  troops  making  hurried  preparations  to 
follow  Burnside.  They  said  they  had  burnt  his  tides  in  Virginia 
and  they  would  burn  them  again  at  Knoxville.  We  replied 
that  they  would  have  lots  of  dead  "Johnnies"  to  bury  before 
they  got  into  Knoxville.  They  ate  their  breakfast,  replenish 
ed  their  cartridge  boxes,  and  pulled  out— but  they  did  not  in 
vite  us  to  eat  with  them. 

We  saw  no  more  of  our  horses,  but  were  marched  on  foot 
to  Campbell's  Station.  Here  we  saw  some  of  the  effects  of 
the  battle  the  day  before.  A  shell  had  exploded  in  the  second 
story  of  a  dwelling  house  arid  torn  it  to  pieces,  and  feathers 
from  beds,  clothing,  and  numerous  other  articles  were  scatter 
ed  over  the  >*ard.  An  old  barn  in  the  vicinity  was  completely 
riddled.  We  saw  a  number  of  dead  Union  soldiers  lying 
about,  unburied,  but  recognized  none  of  them  until  we  came 
fo  a  boy  lying  in  a  fence  corner,  stripped  of  his  clothing,  whom 
we  all  identified  as  Robert  Piatt,  of  Co.  H,  of  the  112th,— but 
we  learned  afterward  that  we  wrere  mistaken. 

Our  guards  wanted  to  turn  us  over  to  another  regiment,  but 
they  refused  to  receive  us.  They  then  inquired  of  a  colonel 
who  was  passing  what  they  should  do  with  us,  and  he  replied, 

"Take  the  d—  -  Yankee  s of  b out  in  the  timber  and 

shoot  them." 

They  finally  marched  us  towards  Knoxville.  About  sunset 
we  came  to  a  crib  containing  a  few  bushels  of  ear  corn,  and 
were  told  to  take  enough  for  our  supper  and  breakfast.  We 
were  then  marched  to  an  old  straw  stack  and  ordered  to  lie 
there  until  morning.  Having  no  mill  to  grind  our  corn,  nor 
pot  to  boil  it  in,  we  ate  it  raw.  I  did  hot  sleep  that  night.  I 
made  up  my  mind  to  escape  and  go  to  Knoxville,  before  morn 
ing,  but  the  guard  was  too  vigilant  for  my  purpose,  and  I  was 
compelled  to  give  it  up. 

In  the  morning  we  ate  the  remainder  of.our  corn  and  start- 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  459 

ed  early  towards  Knoxville.  In  reply  to  our  inquiry  as  to  why 
they  were  taking  us  in  that  direction,  the  guards  said  they  ex 
pected  to  capture  the  whole  of  Burnside's  army,  and  they 
would  then  have  us  all  together.  We  reached  a  large  brick 
dwelling  house  where  Dr.  Baker  had  lived,  and  were  halted 
and  rested  some  time.  A  division  of  Longstreet's  infantry  was 
here, — Texas  troops,  I  believe, — ragged,  barefooted  and  dirty. 
Dr.  Baker  hgd  been  killed  by  Union  troops  during  the  Saun- 
ders  raid,  and  some  of  our  boys  unguardedly  mentioned  the 
fact  that  they  were  among  the  raiders  who  had  killed  hiui. 
This  brought  upon  us  a  storm  of  abuse  and  curses.  One  of 
ficer  especially,  cursed  loud  and  deep,  and  heaped  all  manner 
of  vile  epithets  upon  the  heads  of  the  "d—  -  blue  b d  Yan 
kees,"  for  killing  "the  best  citizen  in  East  Tennessee."  After 
they  had  exhausted  their  vocabulary  of  oaths,  a  rebel  captain 
jumped  up  and  said,  "Fall  into  lme,,you  G—  -  d—  -  Yankee 

s of  b ."     We  fell  in,  and  dressed  in  line,  and  he  gave 

the  order,  " To  the  rear,  ten  paces,  march!"  We  began  to 
think  that  meant  business ;  that  they  intended  to  shoot  us, 
then  and  there,  in  retaliation  for  the  killing  of  Dr.  Baker.  I 
felt  my  hair  raising,  and  began  to  think  of  the  dear  ones  at 
home.  We  could  die  in  battle,  if  necessary,  without  complain 
ing — that  would  be  an  honorable  death  ;  but  to  be  shot  down 
like  dogs,  while  prisoners  of  war — murdered — that  was  terri 
ble.  But  we  were  soon  relieved  of  suspense.  The  next  order 
came,  "Pull  off  your  boots!"  and  in  three  minutes  his  dirty, 
ragged  Texans  were  wearing  our  boots. 

We  were  about-faced  and  started  back  toward  Campbell's 
Station.  We  marched  until  night,  and  slept  in  a  straw  stack, 
without  dinner  or  supper,  and  the  next  day  continued  our 
march,  without  breakfast  or  dinner,  to  London,  where  we  ar 
rived  at  dark,  and  were  placed  in  an  old  livery  stable.  We  met 
many  stragglers  from  Longstreet's  army  on  the  road,  hard- 
looking  customers,  who  insulted  and  jeered  at  us  as  they  pass 
ed.  Our  guards  were  fearful  of  meeting  Col.  Byrd's  regiment 
—the  1st  East  Tennessee — which  they  understood  was  at 
Kingston,  and  might  attempt  to  recapture  us ;  and  I  heard 
the  sergeant  instruct  his  men,  in  case  they  were  attacked,  to 
shoot  the  prisoners  and  then  run.  WTe  would  have  been  glad 


460  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

to  meet  the  1st  East  Tennessee  and  run  our  chances  of  being 
shot. 

The  rebels  had  captured  a  deserter  the  night  before,  and 
had  him  confined,  closely  guarded,  in  a  separate  stall  in  the 
stable.  He  had  been  in  both  armies,  and  deserted  from  both, 
and  was  captured  at  home.  He  said  he  would  be  shot  in  the 
morning,  and  gave  us  his  money,  saying  it  could  do  him  no 
good  and  might  benefit  us.  We  lay  down  on  the  hard  floor, 
weary  and  supperless,  to  meditate  upon  our  unhappy  fate, 
antl,  perchance,  to  sleep.  The  next  morning  we  received  a 
little  raw  beef  and  flour — the  first  rations  issued  to  us  since 
our  capture — not  more  than  enough  for  one  meal,  if  well  cook 
ed  ;  but  as  we  had  no  cooking  utensils,  and  could  not  eat  raw 
beef  and  flour,  we  made  a  light  breakfast,  and  were  then  hur 
ried  on  the  train  bound  for  Atlanta.  We  passed  down  through 
Athens,  and  caught  a  glimpse  of  our  old  camp,  and  a  view  of 
the  hill  where  Capt.  Otman  and  I  lay  concealed,  after  we  were 
cut  off  at  Calhoun,  on  the  26th  of  September,  while  the  old 
negro,  "Uncle  George,"  supplied  us  with  provisions,  and  where 
the  112th  Band  gave  us  the  first  signal  of  the  approach  of  I  n- 
ion  troops  ;  and  as  1  looked,  I  involuntarily  listened  for  strains 
of  music,  and  peered  through  the  cracks  of  the  old  box  car  to 
see  if  the  112th  were  not  again  inarching  into  the  town.  But, 
alas !  I  could  hear  no  music,  could  see  no  soldiers  in  blue,  and 
I  turned  away  home-sick,  heart-sick  and  despondent. 

The  train  stopped  at  Cleveland,  a  short  time,  and  we  trad 
ed  our  beef  and  flour  to  an  old  lady  for  pies  and  cake.  This 
*7as  the  first  decent  food  we  had  after  our  capture.  We  arriv 
ed  at  Dalton  at  night,  and  were  guarded  in  an  old  church,  or 
school  house,  and  received  a  few  "hard  tack"  for  supper.  The 
next  day  proceeded  to  Atlanta,  where  we  arrived  in  the  even 
ing.  Our  car  was  immediately  surrounded  by  a  curious  crowd 
of  wretched  looking  Georgia  "crackers,"  whose  hair  had  never 
seen  comb  nor  scissors,  whose  faces  were  strangers  to  soap 
and  water,  whose  clothes  were  dirty,  ragged  and  "slouchy," 
and  whose  manners  were  worse  than  all  the  rest.  We  were 
inarched  to  the  outskirts  of  the  city  and  turned  into  a  pen 
called  a  "military  prison."  It  contained  one  small  shed,  which 
was  already  full  to  overflowing,  and  we  slept  on  the  ground 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  461 

outside.  On  the  way  out  to  the  pen,  one  of  the  guards,  who 
seemed  an  honest,  clever  fellow,  told  me  our  blankets  and  ov 
ercoats  would  be  taken  from  us  when  we  left  there,  and  he  of 
fered  to  buy  mine.  I  sold  him  my  blanket  for  live  dollars,. 
Confederate  money— worth  seventy-five  cents— and  that  night 
I  nearly  froze.  In  fcthe  morning  they  issued  to  the  prisoners 
some  corn  meal  and  meat,  with  only  one  old  broken  pot  and 
part  of  an  old  skillet  for  over  two  hundred  men  to  cook  in. 
Here  we  first  saw  the  ball  and  chain  ;  several  prisoners  were 
wearing  them  for  attempting  to  escape. 

We  remained  here  only  two  days.  Seven  day's  rations  were 
issued  to  the  prisoners,  and  we  were  informed  that  we  would 
start  for  Richmond.  Our  commissary  was  a  captain  of  an 
Ohio  regiment,  and  in  distributing  the  rations  he  gave  his  own 
men  the  major  part,  and  the  rest  very  little.  That  company 
occupied  a  car  by  themselves  and  we  could  not  get  to  them,  or 
there  would  have  been  trouble. 

As  we  marched  out  we  passed  through  the  "stripping squad," 
which  relieved  the  boys  of  blankets  and  overcoats.  This  caus 
ed  a  great  deal  of  swearing  among  our  men;  but  the  "strip 
pers"  said  they  could  not  help  it,  that  they  were  acting  under 
orders  and  had  to  obey,  whether  they  liked  to  do  so  or  not. 
We  were  loaded  in  box  cars,  and  proceeded  to  Augusta.  Here 
we  changed  cars,  and,  in  marching  through  town  to  another 
depot,  some  of  our  men  were  attacked  by  citizens  with  knives, 
but  the  prisoners  were  protected  by  the  guards.  Here  we  saw 
the  finest  company  of  militia  "home  guards"  I  crer  looked  up 
on.  The  men  were  all  of  the  same  height — about  five  feet,— 
B,ud.  four  feet  Ihroiu/h — and  all  wore  high  plug  hats.  They  be 
longed  to  the  "aristocracy,  sah."  In  passing  a  grocery  store 
we  asked  the  proprietor  to  sell  us  some  apples.  He  swore  we 
might  starve  before  he  would  sell  us  anything.  But  Augusta 
contained  some  noble  kind-hearted  women,  who  secretly  sup 
plied  the  prisoners  with  pies,  cakes  and  other  eatables.  Leav 
ing  Augusta,  we  crossed  the  river  arid  struck  into  the  swampy 
country  of  South  Carolina.  We  ran  out  to  Branchville,  and 
stopped  there  an  hour  or  two. 

One  of  our  guards  went  out   and  got  a  basket  of  corn-bread 
and  sweet  potatoes,  but  refused  to  sell  any  until  the  train  had 


46'2  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

started.  We  were  out  of  rations  and  hungry,  but  we  could  not 
prevail  on  him  to  sell.  Before  the  train  started,  however,  he 
fell  asleep,  and  when  he  awoke  his  baskets  were  empty.  He 
was  very  angry.  He  said  that  he  had  paid  sixty-five  dollars 

for  the  bread  and  potatoes,  and  we  might  go  to before  he 

would  get  any  more. 

From  here  we  ran  to  Wilmington,  crossed  the  Cape  Fear 
River  on  a  ferry  boat,  and  stood  for  hours  on  the  bank  of  the 
river,  shivering  with  cold,  waiting  for  the  tia:n.     They  at  last 
made  up  a  train  of  gravel   cars,  and  loaded  us  on  them.     It 
was  windy  and  cold ;  the  train  ran  rapidly,  and  we  nearly  per 
ished — the  wind  pierced  us  through  and  through.     We  begged 
the  guard  to  stop  the  train,  and  allow  us  to  build  fires.     This 
they  did ;  and  we  piled  on  earth   and  wood  and  built  two  or 
three  fires   on  each  car,    which   made  us  more  comfortable. 
That  night  we  were  put  into  box  cars  in  which  cattle  had  been 
shipped,  and  the  cars  not  cleaned.     They  were  very  dirty,  but 
preferable  to  the  open  flat  cars.     After  six  days  of  starvation 
and  freezing  we  were   dumped  out   on  Belle  Isle,  where  there 
were  already  about  five  hundred  prisoners.     The  prison  camp 
was  on  a  level,  fiat,  sand-bar,  on   the  lower  end  of  the  island, 
opposite  Richmond,  in  the  James   River,  and  contained  about 
five  acres,  enclosed  by  a  small  earthwork  thrown  up  all  around 
it.     We  were  turned  in   here,   on   the  last  day  of  November, 
barefooted,  with  no  blankets,   overcoats  or  tents — nothing  but 
the  cold  sand  to  sleep  on,    and  no  wood  for  fires.     Part  of  the 
prisoners  already  there  had  some  kind  of  tents,  but  there  were 
about  one  hundred  who  had  neither  tents  nor  clothing.     They 
dug  holes  in  the  sand  and  crawled  into  them  to  keep  warm, 
and  nearly  all  of  them  froze  to  death.     Our  Co.  E  boys  were 
exceedingly  lucky ;  for  the  second  day  there  they  drew  a  good 
wedge  tent.     It  was   a  tight  fit  for  twenty  men,  but  we  rnan- 
aged  to  wedge  in.     We  slept  "spoon-fashion,"  and  when    we 
wanted  to  turn  over  the  command  would  be  given,   "right 
spoon,"  or  "left  spoon,"  and  all  turned  at  the  same  time. 

For  a  time  the  rebels  gave  us  corn  bread,  meat  soup,  and 
occasionally  raw  turnips ;  but  this  did  not  last  long.  In  a 
short  time  we  were  fed  upon  corn  bread  alone,  and  for  eight 
weeks  we  had  not  a  mouthful  to  eat  except  cold  corn  bread, 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  463 

and  very  little  of  that.  The  weather  was  bitter  cold,  but  in  all 
that  time  we  had  not  a  stick  of  wood  nor  a  spark  of  fire.  Dur 
ing  the  winter  the  Rev.  D.  L.  Moody,  the  great  Evangelist,  vis 
ited  us,  and  distributed  clothing,  and  shoes  and  socks,  and  a 
blanket  or  overcoat  to  each  man — goods  furnished  by  the  loy 
al,  Christian  people  of  the  North ;  but  some  of  the  boys  were 
so  nearly  starved  they  traded  their  clothing  for  something  to 
eat.  We  were  driven  out  of  camp  every  few  days  and  compell 
ed  to  stand  in  line  until  we  were  nearly  frozen,  while  the  rebel 
officers  counted  the  prisoners.  Some  wild  onions  grew  on  the 
island  which  we  wanted  to  pall,  but  the  request  was  denied 
with  many  loud  and  blood-curdling  oaths.  Five  of  our  com 
pany,  Serg.  Solomon  Dixon,  James  Ray,  Simon  Ray,  George 
0.  Maiiatt  and  John  D.  Swaim,  died  from  exposure  and  star 
vation. 

About  the  middle  of  March  we  were  ordered  out  and  marched 
over  to  the  city,  and  informed  that  we  were  to  be  exchanged. 
We  were  so  weak  from  hunger  and  cold  and  lack  of  exercise 
that  we  could  hardly  walk,  but  the  boys  were  in  high  glee,  as 
they  expected  to  be  exchanged. 

We  were  placed  in  a  building  nearly  opposite  Libby  Prison,, 
and  remained  there  until  nearly  morning,  when  we  were  or 
dered  out  to  be  inarched,  as  we  supposed  down  to  the  river  for 
exchange.  But  when  the  head  of  the  column  filed  right  and 
marched  west  towards  the  railroad,  our  hearts  began  to  sink. 
We  then  realized  that  we  had  been  deceived.  We  were  order 
ed  into  the  cars,  and  the  train  pulled  out,  south.  The  train 
shopped  some  time  at  Petersburg,  and  again  our  hopes  revived 
—we  might  be  sent  down  to  City  Point,  for  exchange — but 
again  we  were  sadly  disappointed.  The  train  again  started 
south,  and  about  the  first  of  April  we  were  landed  at  Ameri- 
cus,  Ga.,  and  thence  marched,  between  a  strong  line  of  guards 
on  either  side,  to  the  notorious  slaughter-house  called  Ander 
son  ville.  The  large  gate  swung  open,  we  marched  in,  the  gate 
closed,  and  we  were  in  a  hell  upon  earth,  the  torments  of 
which  have  never  been  equalled  in  this  world,  and  cannot  be 
surpassed  in  the  next.  It  was  dark,  and  we  were  weary,  hun 
gry  and  sleepy ;  and  we  spread  our  blankets  and  lay  down  oa 
the  little  parcel  of  ground  allotted  to  us,  and  were  soon  asleep. 


464  HISTOKY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

The  next  morning  we  took  a  survey  of  the  camp.  It  contained 
about  sixteen  acres,  with  a  small  creek  running  through  it 
from  west  to  east,  on  each  side  of  which  was  a  miry  swamp, 
so  soft  and  shaky  one  could  not  walk  across  it.  On  each  side 
of  this  the  sand  hills  sloped  upward,  to  the  north  and  south. 
There  were  no  trees  standing  except  two  pines  on  the  east 
side.  There  were  no  barracks,  no  tents — not  even  a  hospital 
tent — in  the  enclosure. 

I  think  there  were  about  a  thousand  prisoners  confined  there 
when  we  arrived— the  hardest  looking  lot  of  men  I  ever  saw— 
poor,  ragged,  dirty,  covered  with  vermin,  and  as  black  as  ne 
groes — smoked  by  the  pitch  pine  fires.  The  prison  was  en 
closed  with  pine  logs  set  close  together  on  end  in  the  ground 
four  or  five  feet,  and  about  sixteen  feet  above  ground.  Near 
the  top  were  the  sentry  boxes,  where  the  guards  stood ;  and 
about  fifteen  feet  inside  of  the  stockade  was  the  dead  line. 
This  had  been  made  by  driving  down  stakes  and  nailing  poles 
on  top  of  them  ;  and  woe  be  to  the  poor  fellow  who  approached 
too  near  this  line.  The  young  boys  on  guard  frequently  shot 
prisoners  who  were  not  near  the  dead  line,  "just  for  fun." 

I  will  not  attempt  to  depict  the  character  of  the  inhuman 
monster  who  was  in  command  of  the  prison.  Abler  pens  than 
mine  have  failed  to  do  the  subject  justice ;  no  language  can 
express  his  unfeeling  cruelty,  his  brutal,  cowardly  arid  barbar 
ous  treatment  of  the  unfortunate  men  whom  the  chances  of 
war  had  thrown  in  his  power.  His  face  denoted  the  true  char 
acter  of  the  man,  and  the  rebel  authorities  selected  wisely  when 
they  detailed  him  as  the  tool  to  do  their  cruel  work. 

I  have  seen  this  miserable  wretch  place  men  in  the  stocks 
or  chain  gang,  for  no  offense  whatever,  and  leave  them  in  the 
hot  sun  until  they  died,  and  their  comrades  were  powerless  to 
aid  them  ;  in  fact,  to  offer  aid,  or  even  to  express  sympathy  for 
them,  would  have  subjected  any  man  to  the  same  torture. 

The  rations  issued  to  the  men  were  of  the  poorest  quality, 
and  in  small  quantities.  I  have  seen  bacon  issued  that  was 
alive  with  maggots.  The  corn  bread  was  burned  to  a  black 
crust  on  the  outside  and  was  raw  inside.  Sometimes  they  is 
sued  "mush."  This  they  hauled  in  in  a  wagon,  and  threw  out 
with  a  scoop,  as  Illinois  farmers  throw  out  corn  to  their  hogs. 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  465 

For  want  of  dishes  the  men  used  old  boot  legs,  or  old  shoes, 
or  a  drawer  or  pants  leg,  made  into  a  bag,  or  their  hats  or 
caps,  if  they  had  any,  to  keep  their  food  in,  and  to  eat  from. 

We  had  not  been  there  a  very  long  time  until  several  Co.  E 
boys  were  down  with  diarrhea,  and  began  to  die.  The  first  to 
go  was  Noah  Fantz — as  good  a  soldier  as  ever  carried  a  gun. 
We  did  all  we  could  to  save  him,  but  our  efforts  were  in  vain. 
Pie  died  under  a  brush  shed,  called  a  "hospital,"  with  a  stick  of 
wood  under  his  head  for  a  pillow. 

The  rebels  then  put  up  some  brush  sheds  outside  for  "hospit 
als,"  and  the  rest  of  the  boys  who  died  were  in  them,  and  we 
could  not  see  them.  The  next  to  go  was  John  Cole,  then  Wil 
liam  B.  Barr,  then  William  W.  McMillen,  Charles  B.  Davis, 
Michael  Springer  and  James  Elston — as  noble  boys  and  good 
soldiers  as  ever  shouldered  a  gun.  (The  Confederate  records 
showed  that  Cole  died  first,  then  Barr). 

I  waited  upon  one  poor  fellow  who  lay  on  the  ground  near 
our  quarters,  with  no  shelter  over  him,  until  he  died.  All  the 
clothing  he  had  on  was  part  of  a  shirt  and  part  of  a  pair  of 
drawers.  Every  day  I  had  to  clean  maggots  out  of  his  mouth, 
nose,  eyes  and  ears,  and  from  between  his  fingers  and  toes. 
The  ground  was  alive  with  them,  on  account  of  the  filth.  I 
mention  this  only  as  an  illustration  of  thousands  like  it. 
Some  days  during  the  summer  months  as  many  as  seventy- 
five  died  inside  the  stockake.  This  does  not  include  those  in 
the  "hospitals"  outside.  We  had  no  means  of  knowing  the 
number  that  died  there,  but  we  did  know  that  very  few  indeed 
who  entered  the  "hospitals"  came  out  alive. 

I  was  very  fortunate.  I  was  determined  that  I  would  NOT 
die  in  a  rebel  prison.  I  exercised  as  much  as  possible,  bathed 
every  night,  kept  my  mind  occupied  with  occurrences  in  camp, 
and  endeavored  not  to  think  of  home  or  the  loved  ones  there. 
I  well  knew  that  if  I  allowed  myself  to  become  homesick,  I 
should  surely  die,  like  my  comrades  around  me.  It  was  a  ter 
rible  experience.  1  had  my  childrens'  photographs  with  me, 
but  I  could  not  name  them  ;  and  it  was  some  time  after,  before 
I  could  distinguish  one  from  another.  They  were  like  strang 
ers  to  me.  I  forgot  home,  friends,  country,  God, — everything. 


466  HISTORY  OF  THE  ir/TH  ILLINOIS. 

I -had  but  one  rational  object  in  my  mind — to  keep  myself 
alive  until  I  could  get  out  of  there.  I  could  write  a  volume 
upon  the  terrible  sufferings  of  the  men  in  that  hell  on  earth, 
but  this  must  suffice. 

About  the  middle  of  {September  orders  were  received  for  all  who 
could  walk  to  the  depot  to  get  ready  to  leave  at  once  ;  and  if 
any  started  and' gave  out  on- the  road,  the  guards  were  ordered 
to  bayonet  them.  Charles  Davis,  of  Co.  E,  was  nearly  gone. 
We  carried  him  to  the  "hospital,"  and  bade  him  a  final '"good" 
bye."  He  died  a  few  hours  after.  Jonathan  Graves  was  so 
Av<3ak  he  could  not  walk  alone,  and  two  of  us  helped  him  along. 

We  embarked  on  the  cars  and  ran  to  Savannah,  and  from 
there  to  Charleston,  S.  C.  Here  we  came  in  view  of  the  Union 
fleet  off  the  harbor,  with  the  Stars  and  Stripes  floating  proud 
ly  in  the  air,  and  Oh  !  how  our  hearts  ached  to  go  out  to  them. 
We  seemed  so  near,  and  yet  were  so  far  away. 

We  were  marched  into  the  ruined  part  of  the  city,  upon  a 
vacant  lot,  and  kept  a  day  and  a  night  under  fire  from  the 
Union  gunboats.  Several  shells  burst  in  the  air  over  our 
heads,  but  no  one  of  us  was  injured. 

From  here  we  were  marched  out  to,  and  quartered  in,  the 
fair-grounds.  \Ye  received  the  best  fare  there  that  we  receiv 
ed  luiywhere  in  the  Confederacy.  Our  rations  were  tolerably 
good,  and  were  made  up  of  a  greater  variety  than  we  were  ac 
customed  to. 

The  good  Sisters  of  Charity  visited  us  every  day,  and 
brought  substantial  articles  of  food  for  the  well,  and  many  lit 
tle  delicacies  for  the  sick,  which  they  distributed  with  kindly 
hands  and  words  of  comfort  to  all.  We  learned  that  our  good 
treatment  here  was  not  voluntary  on  the  part  of  the  rebels, 
but  was  caused  by  threats  of  retaliation  upon  rebel  prisoners; 
if  we  were  not  well  treated. 

:  While  here  the  rebel  officers  endeavored  by  every  means  pos 
sible  to  induce  us  to  enlist  in  the  Confederate  army.  They 
promised  us  good  clothing,  which  we  were  sadly  in  need  of, 
and  made  many  other  flattering  promises  ;  but  we  invariably 
answered  that  we  would  die  by  inches,  and  rot  in  prison,  be 
fore  we  would  take  up  arms  against  our  government.  After 
remaining  here  a  week  or  ten  days  we  were  removed  to  Flor- 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  467 

ence  S.  C.  On  our  way  there  a  man  hit-he  car  next  to  ours 
jumped  out  of  the  door,  just  as  the  train  passed  through  a 
covered  bridge,  and  rolled  down  the  embankment  to  the  wat 
er's  edge  in  the  river.  Several  shots  were  fired  at  him  by  the 
guards,  but  the  train  did  not  stop,  and  we  never  knew  whether 
he  was  hit'or  not. 

The  prison  at  Florence  was  similar  to  that  at  Andersonville. 
It  had  the  same  miry  swamp,  but  had  a  furrow  for  a  dead  line. 
There  was  some  wood  here  :  and  being  among  the  first  arriv 
als,  Jonathan  Graves,  Charles  Hart,  Henry  Morgan  and  I  pro 
cured  an  old,  dull  axe,  by  paying  twenty-five  cents  an  hour  for 
its  use,  and  built  a  nice  little  log  hut,  'about  six  by  se^en  feet, 
and  four  feet  high,  and  covered  it  with  earth.  We  then  cut  a 
lot  of  pitch-pine  wood,  and  buried  it  in  the  ground  by  the  side 
of  our  cabin.  We  were  then  "fixed"  for  winter.  But  our 
"house"  was  so  near  the  dead  line  that  we  were  in  constant 
danger  of  being  shot,  if  we  stepped  outside  after  dark,  which 
deteriorated  somewhat  from  the  comforts  of  our  "house." 
This  reminds  me  of  a  case  of  cold-blooded  murder  which  oc 
curred  there.  A  man  named  James  Lindsay,  of  our  own  reg 
iment — Co.  1) — was  very  sick  ;  and  one  bright  moonlight  night, 
while  he  was  sitting  on  the  ground,  fifteen  feet  from  the  dead 
line,  the  guard  shot  him  in  the  back,  killing  him  instantly. 
The  inhuman  murderer  offered  no  excuse  for  his  crime,  and 
was  not  even  reprimanded  by  the  officers.  (He  was  promot 
ed.)  One  evening,  as  I  was  going  after  water,  and  was  not 
within  fifteen  feet  of  the  dead  line,  I  heard  the  click  of  a  gun, 
and  looking  up  quickly  saw  the  guard  with  his  gun  levelled  on 
me.  "Hello,  Mister,''  said  I,  "there  is  the  dead  line,"  pointing 
to  it.  He  recovered  arms,  wheeled  about  and  walked  on, 
without  speaking.  Had  I  not  spoken  I  would  have  been  shot. 

The  officer  in  charge  of  the  prison  was  a  fiend  incarnate  by 
the  name  of  Barrett— a  lieutenant.  If  possible  he  exceeded 
AVirtx  in  downright  brutality.  I  have  seen  him  come  into  the 
prison  and  walk  up  to  a  group  of  men  and  empty  his  revolver- 
right  into  the  crowd  ;  and  I  have  seen  him  knock  down  pris 
oners  with  clubs,  and  beat  them,  and  break  iron  ramrods  over 
their  backs ;  and  many  an  oath  was  registered  to  kill  him 
when  the  war  was  over. 


468  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

I  was  fortunate  enough  to  be  detailed,  with  about  one  hun 
dred  others,  to  chop  wood  outside,  for  the  camp  and  small-pox 
hospitals,  and  for  other  purposes.  We  were  required  to  take 
an  oath  not  to  undertake  to  escape,  and  worked  without  a 
guard;  but  were  counted  every  night  when  turned  inside  the. 
prison.  We  were  privileged  to  go  anywhere  we  pleased  with 
in  a  mile  from  camp  ;  but  were  strictly  forbidden  to  trade  with 
any  of  the  citizens  or  soldiers,  and  were  searched  every  night, 
when  we  entered  the  prison,  to  see  if  we  had  any  "contraband 
goods"  about  us.  I  became  acquainted  with  the  sergeant 
whose  duty  it  was  to  search  the  prisoners,  and  he  told  me  to 
trade  for  anything  I  wished  to,  arid  he  would  pass  me  in.  I 
tied  strings  around  the  bottom  of  my  drawer  legs,  sewed  up 
the  front,  and  poured  in  about  a  half-bushel  of  beans ;  put 
four  large  plugs  of  tobacco  in  my  bosom,  and  concealed  four 
pounds  of  beef  steak  in  my  cap.  I  was  loaded  so  heavily  that 
I  walked  very  awkwardly.  The  sergeant  felt  all  over  me,  gave 
me  a  knowing  wink,  and  said,  "Go  in,  Nicholas,  you're  all 
right."  This  was  but  one  of  the  many  times  I  returned  to 
camp  similarly  loaded,  and  always  passed.  Some  of  the  boys 
attempted  to  tunnel  out,  but  I  think  none  made  their  escape 
in  that  manner.  If  the  rebels  suspected  anything  of  that  kind, 
they  shut  off  the  rations  until  it  was  reported.  At  one  time 
they  starved  us  forty-eight  hours,  until  somebody  "squealed." 
(Jonathan  Graves,  of  Co.  E,  made  his  escape  from  Florence, 
and  succeeded  in  reaching  the  Union  lines.) 

Here,  again,  the  rebel  officers  endeavored  to  induce  us  to 
enlist  in  the  Confederate  army ;  to  fight  Sherman ;  and  they 
succeeded  in  raising  one  or  two  companies.  But  they  soon 
learned  that  this  was  but  a  ruse  of  the  boys,  to  get  to  the  front 
where  they  could  go  over  to  Sherman's  army ;  and  turned 
them  back  into  the  prison. 

The  sick  received  much  better  treatment  here  than  at  An- 
dersonville.  The  camp  was  more  cleanly  and  the  weather 
cooler,  and  there  was  less  suffering ;  but  even  here  it  was  too 
terrible  to  attempt  to  describe.  They  had  a  dungeon,  in  which 
prisoners  were  confined  for  very  slight  offences.  If  one  was 
caught  trading  with  citizens  he  was  sure  to  go  to  the  dungeon. 
The  officer  in  command  was  as  brutal,  as  inhuman,  as  cruel 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE. 

and  barbarous  as  Wirtz  of  Andersonville  ;  but  the  prisoners 
suffered  less  by  reason  of  the  cooler  weather  and  more  favor 
able  camp. 

About  the  middle  of  February  the  rebel  authorities  were 
fearful  that  Sherman  would  release  us,  and  began  to  ship  us 
north.  Our  train  ran  to  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  then  to  Golds- 
boro,  where  we  camped  in  the  woods  north  of  town  one  day, 
and  then  were  ordered  to  Saulsbury,  but  before  the  train 
started  they  were  ordered  to  send  us  back  to  Wilmington  to  be 
exchanged.  This  was  in  the  night :  and  we  unloaded  from 
the  cars  and  stood  in  the  streets  until  another  train  was  made 
up  to  take  us  to  Wilmington.  We  were  not  guarded  closely 
after  the  order  to  exchange,  and  might  have  made  our  escape  : 
but  we  had  no  motive  then  to  undertake  it.  We  preferred  to 
be  exchanged.  We  finally  reached  Wilmington,  where  we 
waited  a  night  and  a  day  for  the  "truce  boats,"  very  loosely 
guarded,  and  with  nothing  to  eat. 

About  two  o'clock  one  afternoon  the  long-looked  for  "truce- 
boats,"  as  we  supposed,  arrived;  but  instead,  they  proved  to 
be  "gun-boats,"  and  opened  fire  upon  the  town. 

When  the  captain  in  charge  of  the  prisoners  heard  the  fir 
ing,  he  came  back  among  us  crying, — great  tears  rolling  down 
his  cheeks.— and  informed  us  there  could  be  no  exchange,  and 
he  must  take  us  north  again.  They  had  cars  for  only  one-half 
of  the  prisoners  and  the  rest,  myself  among  them,  marched  on 
foot.  We  had  not  proceeded  far  until  w?e  saw  dense  clouds  of 
smoke  rising  from  the  town.  The  rebels  had  set  fire  to  the 
cotton  and  other  property,  to  prevent  it  from  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  "Yankees." 

That  night  I  made  up  my  mind  to  escape  or  die  in  the  at 
tempt.  We  were  guarded  by  cavalry,  old  soldiers,  who  ap 
peared  to  be  fine  fellows.  Just  after  dark  we  were  crossing  a 
pond  of  water,  which  extended  on  both  sides  of  the  road,  and 
the  prisoners  crossed,  in  single  file,  on  foot-logs,  on  either  side, 
placed  there  for  foot-men  to  cross  on.  When  I  was  about  half 
way  across,  I  stepped  quickly  off  the  log  into  the  brush,  unob 
served  by  the  guards,  and  lay  down  in  the  water.  This  wras 
the  night  of  February  20th,  1865.  I  lay  there  in  the  water, 
within  six  or  eight  feet  of  the  foot-log,  until  after  midnight, 


470  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

while  the  rebel  army — infantry  find  artillery — retreating  from 
Wilmington,  was  passing.  I  could  hear  distinctly  all  they 
said.  Their  conversation  was  mostly  about  the  "  —  -  Yank 
ees,"  and  the  "  -gun-boats."  They  talked  as  if 
the  war  was  about  ended  and  the  Southern  Confederacy 
"/wtffr'r/."  which  was  cheerful  news  to  the  listener  in  the  water. 

The  last  squad  that  passed  stopped  at  the  edge  of  the  water. 
about  thirty  feet  from  me,  set  fire  to  an  old,  dry  stump,  and 
swore  they  were  going  to  rest.  The  light  of  the  fire  shone  on 
me  as  bright  as  day.  My  heart  beat  loud  and  rapidly — I  was 
afraid  they  would  hear  it — but  they  did  not  discover  me.  It 
was  amusing  to  hear  them  curse  the  "Yankee  gun-boats"  and 
the"  -nigger  troops."  They  rested  half  an  hour — which 
seemed  to  me  a  week — and  then  moved  on. 

I  crawled  out.  listened,  found  the  road  clear,  and  made  my 
way  west  to  the  Cape  Fear  Paver,  and  lay  there  all  the  next 
day  and  night.  This  made  three  days  that  I  had  been  without 
food.  On  the  22nd  of  February  several  squads  of  deserters 
from  the  rebel  army  passed,  and  one  came  to  me.  He  gave 
me  some  bread  and  meat.  On  the  21st  there  had  been  con 
siderable  skirmishing  on  the  road  I  had  left,  between  the  ad 
vance  of  the  Union  troops  and  the  rebel  rear  guard ;  and  on 
the  22nd  heavy  cannonading  was  heard  at  Wilmington.  We 
could  not  understand  the  meaning  of  it,  as  we  supposed  the 
rebel  troops  had  all  moved  away.  We  finally  determined  to 
go  to  the  city,  and  had  not  proceeded  two  hundred  yards  when 
we  were  halted  by  Union  pickets.  We  told  them  our  story, 
and  were  permitted  to  pass  on, — the  deserter  surrendering  his 
gun  and  accoutrements. 

We  here  learned  the  cause  of  the  cannonading.  The  navy 
was  firing  a  salute  in  celebration  of  Washington's  birthday. 
WTe  traveled  about  a  mile  and  stopped  at  a  large  farm  house 
for  supper.  We  felt  safe  inside  the  Union  pickets,  but  were 
surprised  when  the  door  opened  and  a  rebel  captain,  in  full 
uniform,  stood  before  us.  He  invited  us  in,  talked  very  kind 
ly,  informed  us  that  he  had  given  up  the  Southern  cause  as 
lost  and  left  the  army,  gave  u:s  a  good  supper,  and  invited  us 
to  stay  all  night.  The  rebel  deserter  remained,  but  I  declined 
his  hospitality  and  continued  on  my  way  towrard  the  city  until 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  471 

I  came  to  a  negro  cabin,  and  remained  there  all  night.  On 
the  23d  I  arrived  at  Wilmington,  and  great  was  my  astonish 
ment  and  joy  to  find  .my  own.  regiment,  the  good  old  112th,  in 
camp  there,  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  It  was  a  great  sur 
prise.  I  had  not  heard  from  the  regiment  for  fifteen  long 
months,  and  supposed  it  was  in  the  West.  That  was  the  hap 
piest  day  of  my  life.  I  was  glad  to  meet  the  hoys  once  more  ; 
and  they  were  glad  to  see  me,  and  for  hours  plied  me  with 
questions  as  to  my  prison  life  and  escape,  and  made  many 
anxious  inquiries  about  their  comrades  still  in  prison.  This 
ended  my  prison  life  ;  and  it  lias  undoubtedly  shortened  un 
natural  life  many  years. 

On  the  '24th  I  visited  brigade  headquarters,  and  there  found 
Gen.  Henderson  and  Capt.  Otman.  who  were  glad  to  see  me 
and  to  hear  from  their  captured  men.  Dr.  Milliken,  of  the 
112th,  then  Brigade  Surgeon,  advised  me  to  go  home  as  quick 
ly  as  possible.  1  took  the  first  boat  tor  Annapolis:  arrived 
there  sick,  and  lay  in  hospital  three  days  ;  then  was  sent  to 
Baltimore,  where  1  remained  in  hospital  three  weeks.  I  then 
received  a  thirty  days  furlough,  and  in  seven  days  was  at 
home— saved  from  the  horrible  fate  of  many  of  my  comrades  ; 
and  ever  since  that  time  I  have  felt  like  one  risen  from  the 
dead. 


BELLE  ISLE  AND  ANDEKSONVILLE. 
F.  J.  LIGGETT, 

OF    COMPANY    B,    112TH  ILLINOIS. 

[Edited  by  B.  F.  THOMPSON.] 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  September  18,  1863,  Co.  B,  of 
the  112th  111., — part  of  the  detachment  at  Cleveland,  Tenn., 
— saddled  up,  and  moved  out  on  a  reconnoissance.  Capt. 
Dickerson,  with  the  right  of  the  company,  went  out  on  the 
Dalton  road,  and  Lieut.  Gudgel,  with  the  "ponies,"  took  the 
Chattanooga  road.  I  was  with  Capt.  Dickerson.  We  met  the 
enemy  just,  outside  of  town,  and  immediately  opened  fire.  W'e 
had  fired  eight  or  ten  shots  each  when  Capt.  Dickerson  was 
killed.  His  last  words  were,  "I  am  shot,  boys,  give  'em  h— — ," 


472  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

and  he  fell  to  the  ground,  dead.  Edwin  Holmes  was  shot — I 
thought  killed,  hut  he  was  only  wounded,  and  yet  lives.  We 
dismounted  and  stood  behind  our  horses,  arid  every  horse  was 
wounded,  some  were  hit  several  times.  Being  entirely  sur 
rounded,  and  there  being  no  means  of  escape,  we  threw  down 
our  arms  an  1  surrendered.  We  were  marched  into  town,  to 
the  court  house,  and  there,  beneath  the  dome  of  the  Temple  of 
Justice,  we  were  robbed  of  all  our  valuables — watches,  pocket- 
knives,  money,  and  hats  and  boots. 

At  7  o'clock  we  started,  under  guard,  for  Dalton,  Ga.,  and 
arrived  there  at  8  o'clock  the  same  evening — having  marched 
the  whole  distance,  thirty  miles,  on  foot,  without  breakfast  or 
dinner.  At  Dalton  a  little  flour  and  water  were  issued  to  the 
prisoners,  and  one  little,  old,  three-legged,  iron  "spider"  was 
given  us  in  which  to  cook  supper  for  twenty  men.  We  had  no 
salt,  saleratus  or  "rising"  of  any  kind — nothing  but  flour,  wa 
ter  and  a  skillet.  On  the  19th  we  were  loaded  into  box  cars, 
as  farmers  load  their  hogs,  and  shipped  to  Atlanta,  where  we 
arrived  in  the  evening  and  were  put  into  the  stockade — the 
bare  ground  for  a  bed  and  the  heavens  for  a  covering.  On  the 
morning  of  the  20th  we  were  shipped  by  rail  to  Richmond,  the 
Capital  of  the  Confederacy,  where  we  arrived  on  the  25th,  and 
registered  at  the  "Libby  House."  Here  we  were  informed  that 
the  rules  of  the  house  required  us  to  deposit  our  money  and 
valuables  with  the  proprietors.  If  we  surrendered  them  vol 
untarily,  we  would  be  "credited"  with  the  amount ;  but  if  we 
refused  to  surrender  them,  and  any  were  found  upon  us,  the 
same  would  be  confiscated  to  the  Confederacy — that  is,  to  the 
rebel  officers  in  charge.  They  had  already  stolen  all  they 
could  find  upon  our  persons ;  but  they  now  ordered  us  to 
"strip."  We  were  divested  of  every  article  of  clothing,  and  ev 
ery  piece  was  carefully  inspected — the  hems,  cuffs,  linings 
and  waistbands  closely  scrutinized,  in  search  of  greenbacks 
that  might  be  concealed  in  them.  We  were  then  marched  up 
stairs  to  the  second  floor,  and  there  invested  of  what  we  had 
been  divested — clothed  again. 

On  the  26th  of  September  we  were  moved  to  Belle  Isle.  The 
camp  was  enclosed  by  earthworks,  the  guards  outside,  and 
contained  about  five  acres.  At  that  time  about  one  thousand 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  473 

prisoners  were  confined  there.  The  ground  was  literally  alive 
with  vermin — "graybacks" — and  the  prisoners  were  engaged 
in  a  constant  warfare  against  them.  It  was  all  we  could  do  to 
keep  them  from  eating  us  up.  Our  rations  were  one-fourth  of 
a  pound  of  baker's  bread  to  each  man,  and  twelve  pounds  of 
beef— a  large  proportion  bone  —for  one  hundred  men  :  and  we 
were  glad  to  get  even  the  bones. 

Sometime  in  January  a  prisoner  stole  a  guard's  blanket. 
The  guard  shot  at,  but  missed  him,  and  wounded  four  other 
men. 

Tobacco  chewers  had  great  difficulty  in  obtaining  a  supply 
of  the  weed,  arid  every  "cud"  was  saved  and  rechewed  several 
times.  The  prisoners  suffered  terribly  for  food ;  and  the 
means  used  to  obtain  it,  and  the  kind  of  food  eaten,  are  too 
horrible  to  put  in  print.  I  have  seen  men  eat  dog-meat  and 
other  things  far  worse. 

The  dead  bodies  of  prisoners  were  sometimes  left  lying  on 
the  ground,  outside  their  tents,  two  weeks,  until  they  turned 
as  black  as  coal. 

W.  D.  Freeman,  I.  N.  Dalrymple  and  I,  and  a  man  of  an 
other  Illinois  regiment,  whose  name  I  have  forgotten,  bribed 
one  of  the  guards,  with  twenty  dollars,  to  let  us  escape.  Dal 
rymple  was  to  go  ahead  and  pay  the  money.  The  guard  took 
the  money — and  Dalrymple,  too,— >and  the  rest  of  us  skipped 
back  into  camp.  We  did  not  see  Dalrymple  again  for  two 
months.  They  confined  him  in  a  room  adjoining  the  bread- 
house  ;  and  he  cut  a  hole  in  the  partition  wall,  fitted  in  a 
block,  and  had  access  to  all  the  bread  he  wanted.  His  scheme 
was  not  discovered,  and  when  released  he  was  as  fat  as  a  pig. 

On  the  10th  of  March,  18(54,  John  P.  Freeman  and  I  bought 
our  way  out  of  Belle  Isle,  and  were  kept  in  the  Pemberton 
building  in  Bichmond  over  night,  and  the  next  day  started  on 
a  journey,  in  a  box  car,  we  knew  not  where ;  but  on  the  18th 
we  found  ourselves  inside  the  stockade  at  Andersonville. 
There  were  about  five  thousand  prisoners  in  camp, 
and  not  a  dozen  tents,  except  blankets  put  up  on  poles,  for 
shelter  from  storms  and  the  hot  sun. 

In  my  judgment  Wirtz  was  a  much  better  man  than  the 
brute  in  charge  of  the  prison  camp  at  Belle  Isle.  I  know  he 


474  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

shot  some  of  the  prisoners  for  no  earthly  reason  than  to  grati 
fy  his  hatred  to  Union  soldiers,  and  he  certainly  ought  to  have 
been  hung  by  the  government. 

In  about  a  week  Orliii  Bevier,  Abram  Deyo,  Henry  Stacy, 
W.  D.  Freeman  and  George  Ludhmi  arrived  from  Belle  Isle, 
and  we  were  all  quartered  together. 

The  death-rate  at  Andersonville  was  terrible — never  less 
than  twelve  to  fifteen  a  day,  and  frequently  one  hundred.  The 
camp  contained  about  ten  acres— one-third  of  it  a  spongy 
marsh,  through  which  ran  a  creek,  which  constituted  the  only 
supply  of  water.  Our  bread  was  made  of  corn  meal,  ground 
cob  and  all,  shipped  in  cars  and  shovelled  out,  and  cooked, 
mixed  only  with  water,  with  husks  and  dirt  for  seasoning. 
Our  bread  ration  consisted  of  six  ounces  of  this  stuff  twice  a 
day. 

On  a  dark  and  r,ainy  night  in  April  a  man  came  to  our 
quarters  and  inquired  if  there  were  any  (Jo.  B  boys,  of  the 
J12th  111.,  there.  We  admitted  him,  and  he  proved  to  be  Ed. 
Holmes,  whom  we  supposed  had  been  killed  at  Cleveland,  who 
had  just  arrived. 

Sometime  in  May,  1864,  tjie  stockade  was  enlarged,  to  ac 
commodate  the  increasing  number.  The  rebel  officers  solicit 
ed  recruits  for  the  Confederate  army,  and  there  was  not  a  day 
when  the  stronger  men  could  not  have  walked  out  by  taking 
an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Confederacy  and  enlisting  in  their 
army.  I  never  knew  one  to  accept  the  offer.  The  boys  would 
yell  and  hoot  at  them  whenever  the  proposition  was  made. 

An  organization  was  formed  to  stampede  at  the  gates  and 
escape.  The  rebel  officers  discovered  the  plan  and  planted  ar 
tillery  at  each  corner,  loaded  with  grape  and  canister,  and 
threatened  to  mow  the  camp  clean  of  every  living  thing  if  the 
attempt  was  made. 

I  will  not  attempt  to  describe  the  sufferings  of  the  men  in 
this  prison.  No  pen  can  describe  it,  no  tongue  can  relate  it. 
Cold  chills  run  over  me  whenever  I  think  of  it.  Of  all  that 
has  been  written  and  spoken,  not  one-half  has  been  told.  On 
the  23d  of  May,  1864,  I  was  detailed,  with  about  one  hundred 
others,  to  roll  logs  to  make  a  bridge  to  the  cook-house,  or 
kitchen.  For  this  service  we  were  given  an  extra  ration  at 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  475 

noon.  After  eating  our  dinner  I  went  into  the  swamp  to  cut 
some  poles  to  take  into  camp.  I  soon  found  myself  out  of  sight 
of  the  guard.  At  once  I  thought  of  escape.  I  knew  not  what 
to  do,  I  went  one-fourth  of  a  mile  into  the  swamp,  turned 
about,  and  went  back  to  camp — for  the  last  time.  I  whispered 
to  John  P.  Freeman  what  I  had  done,  and  suggested  that  we  go 
out  the  next  day  and  make  our  escape  ;  but  he  was  too  ill  to 
undeitake  it.  Freeman  told  his  brother,  William  1).  Free 
man,  and  Henry  Stacy,  and  they  proposed  to  go  with  me.  I 
thought  three  too  many,  but  we  agreed  to  try  it.  The  next 
morning  we  took  our  haversacks  with  a  few  rations  and  went 
out  to  work.  At  noon  we  went  into  the  swamp  "to  cut  poles," 
and  were  soon  out  of  sight  of  the  guard.  As  soon  as  we  were 
out  of  sight  we  "skipped''  as  rapidly  as  our  feet  would  carry 
us.  We  had  been  gone  about  thirty  minutes  before  we  were 
missed  by  the  guard.  He  immediately  reported  our  escape  to 
Wirtz ;  but  he  was  engaged  in  receiving  about  two  thousand 
new  prisoners,  and  dividing  them  into  squads  of  one  hundred, 
and  did  not  hurry.  He  thought  he  could  catch  us,  at  any  rate, 
with  his  blood-hounds.  He  got  out  his  hounds  ;  but  a  terri 
ble  storm  came  up — it  thundered  and  lightened,  and  the  wind 
blew  a  gale,  and  the  rain  poured  down  in  torrents — and  that 
saved  us  ;  the  hounds  could  not  follow. 

Henry  Stacy  was  taken  sick,  on  the  third  day,  and  we  were 
compelled  to  leave  him.  We  parted  with  him  in  sorrow  and 
tears,  in  a  deep  forest,  but  within  sight  of  a  planter's  house, 
where  he  promised  to  go  and  seek  admission  ;  but  he  was  not 
to  tell,  under  any  circumstances,  of  the  other  escaped  prison 
ers.  Stacy  went  to  the  house  and  was  well  received.  The 
planter  was  an  old  man  and  devoted  to  the  Union.  He  kept 
Stacy  several  days,  until  he  was  better,  and  then  carried  him, 
in  the  night-time,  to  the  house  of  another  Union  man,  and  he 
to  another,  and  so  on  until  he  was  within  ten  miles  of  the  Un 
ion  lines.  He  was  left  alone,  the  Union  citizens  not  daring  to 
venture  further,  and  with  a  hearty  God-speed  they  gave  him 
the  directions  to  the  Union  army  and  returned  to  their  homes. 

The  first  thing  Stacy  did,  when  left  alone,  was  to  run  upon 
a  rebel  picket ;  and  he  was  recaptured  and  sent  to  Columbus, 
'Ga.,  on  the  Chattahoochee  River.  Here  he  was  confined,  with 
two  conscripts,  in  an  iron  cell,  made  of  wagon -tire  iron  riveted 
together.  They  bribed  a  negro  to  furnish  them  a  knife,  and  a 
boat  and  provisions,  and  sawed  of!  the  bars,  and  float sd  down, 
the  river,  concealing  themselves  in  the  daytime,  until  one 
night,  in  passing  under  a  bridge,  they  were  halted  by  Confed 
erate  guards,  and  at  the  same  instant  one  of  the  conscripts 
was  shot,  a  musket  ball  passing  through  one  thigh.  They 
were  captured,  and  Stacy  was  sent  back  to  Andersonville, 


476  HISTORY  OF  THE  112TH  ILLINOIS. 

where  he  was  condemned  to  wear  a  ball  and  chain — the  upual 
penalty  imposed  upon  prisoners  for  attempting  to  escape.  A 
clasp  was  riveted  around  his  ankle,  to  which  was  attached  a 
sixty-pound  hall;  but  he  lived  through  it  and  is  now  a  farmer 
in  Iowa. 

We  had  learned  from  newly  arrived  prisoners  at  Anderson- 
ville  the  position  of  Sherman's  army,  and,  after  we  left  Stacy, 
Freeman  and  I  traveled  a  northwesterly  course  to  go  around 
the  left  of  the  rebel  army  and  reach  Sherman's  lines. 

We  had  an  ax  and  a  heavy  hickory  cane  for  weapons.  One 
day  Freeman  threw  the  ax  at  a  rabbit  and  killed  it,  and  we 
skinned  it  and  ate  the  meat  raw.  We  also  caught  two  geese 
and  ate  them  raw.  We  did  not  dare  to  build  a  fire,  as  the 
smoke  would  reveal  to  the  rebels  the  fact  that  escaped  prison 
ers  or  deserters  were  in  the  wroods,  and  they  would  start  the. 
blood  hounds  after  us.  We  lived  thirteen  days  on  the  rabbit, 
two  geese,  and  a  little  corn  bread  in  our  haversacks,  and  ber 
ries  that  we  gathered  in  the  mountains.  The  raw  geese  made 
mighty  tough  food,  but  we  managed  to  doini  them.  It  was 
much  better  than  nothing.  On  the  (Hli  or  7th  of  June  we  put 
our  drawers  outside  our  pants,  and  our  faded  dirty  shirts  out 
side  our  blue  coats,  and,  thus  disguised,  went  to  a  farm  lion  HO 
and  asked  for  dinner.  We  offered  to  pay  for  our  dinners,  in 
Confederate  money,  of  course,  but  were  informed  that  they 
charged  soldiers  nothing :  that  as  we  were  lighting  for  the 
rights  of  the  South,  they  considered  it  both  a  duty  and  a  pleas 
ure  to  give  us  something  to  eat. 

One  day  we  came  to  a  railroad,  where  a  gang  of  men  were 
at  work,  and  we  moved  up  the  road  out  of  sight,  and  crossed 
through  a  culvert.  Freeman  was  ahead,  and  as  he  reached 
the  opposite  end  there,  within  six  feet,  lay  an  enormous  snake. 
It  started  for  the  culvert,  but  Freeman  broke  its  "hack  with  the 
ax,  and  that  gave  me  time  to  climb  up  out  of  danger,  for  I 
was  still  in  the  culvert.  The  snake  era. wled  through,  snapping 
and  biting  as  he  went.  The  sickly,  poisonous  smell  of  the  rep 
tile  made  me  sick,  and  I  came  near  fainting ;  and  for  two  or 
three  days  after  I  was  so  weak  I  could  walk  hut  a  short  dis 
tance  without  resting.  We  continued  on  our  weary  way,  sel 
dom  seeing  a  human  being,  traveling  through  the  forests  by 
night  and  day,  shunning  public  highways,  and  never  crossing 
a  plantation  in  the  day  time,  until  the  18th  of  June.  We  fre 
quently  saw  rebel  cavalry — scouting  parties — in  the  valleys 
below  us,  and  one  day,  as  we  crossed  a  road,  met  a  rebel  sol 
dier  on. his  way  home.  He  had  his  gun  and  accoutrements, 
but  was  too  sick  to  talk,  even,  and  we  were  willing  to  excuse 
him.  We  saw  a  number  of  deer  in  the  mountains,  but  had  no 
gun  to  shoot,  and  wrould  not  have  dared  to  fire  a  shot  even  if 
we  had  been  supplied  with  arms.  On  the  10th  of  June  wre 


NARRATIVE  OF  PRISON  LIFE.  477 

reached  the  Chattahoochee  River.  It  was  bank  full  and  at  least 
a  fourth  of  a  mile  wide.  Freeman  could  not  swim.  We  con 
structed  a  rude  raft  and  set  sail  across  the  rapid  current.  It 
was  doubtful  whether  our  raft  would  safely  carry  two,  so  I  doff 
ed  my  clothing  and  prepared  to  swim  and  give  Freeman  the 
raft,  in  case  it  became  necessary  to  do  so.  But  we  reached 
the  opposite  shore  in  safety,  and  continued  on  our  journey. 
Both  armies  had  occupied  that  part  of  the  country  and  it  was 
stripped  bare  ;  but,  luckily,  we  found  a  box  of  meat  and  a  box 
of  wheat  concealed  in  the  mountains  and  we  filled  our  haver 
sacks.  On  the  l*2th  of  June  we  met  a  man  driving  a  yoke  of 
oxen -hitched  to  a  cart.  He  inquired  if  we  were  going  over  to 
the  "Yanks,"  and  we  informed  him  that  we  were,  and  asked 
him  to  go  with  us.  He  said  he  had  been  thinking  of  going 
over,  but  would  wait  a  few  days.  In  reply  to  our  questions, 
he  informed  us  that  "our"  (the  rebel)  pickets  were  tibout  a 
mile  from  us,  and  that  it  was  six  or  seven  miles  to  the  ''Yank 
ee''  camp.  That  night  we  could  see  hundreds  of  army  camp 
lire:;,  but  could  not  determine  whether  they  were  of  the  Union 
or  rebel  army.  We  concealed  ourselves  among  the  rocks  in 
the  mountains,  and  waited  impatiently  for  daylight.  In  the 
morning  we  made  one  mountain  top  after  another  until  we 
were  near  enough  to  distinguish  the  blue  uniform  of  the  Union 
soldiers  and  knew  we  were  safe. 

We  went  in  and  surrendered  ourselves — for  we  still  wore  our 
underclothing  oiitwlc,  and  our  appearance  was  more  like  rebel 
than  Union  soldiers.  The  troops  proved  to  be  the  3d  Iowa 
regiment,  guarding  the  railroad  bridge  across  theEtowah  Riv 
er".  We  were  taken  to  the  colonel's  headquarters  and  there 
we  told  our  story.  He  ordered  dinner  for  us,  and  for  the  first 
time  since  our  capture  we  tasted  sugar  avid  coffee,  pork  and 
beans  and  crackers,  and  saw  and  used  soap.  After  dinner  the 
colonel  sent  us  down  to  (Ten.  Sherman's  headquarters,  at  Big 
Shanty.  Sherman  asked  us  innumerable  .questions,  all  of  which 
were  satisfactorily  answered,  when  he  told  us  to  go  down  to  the 
regiment  and  seethe  boys,  and  then  we  should  have  a  furlough 
and  go  home.  We  reached  the  regiment  on  the  18th,  and  it 
is  unnecessary  to  state  that  we  met  with  a  hearty  welcome. 
On  the  14th  we  started  north,  and  reached  home  on  the  27th 
of  June,  o;i  a  thirty  days  furlough,  after  the  expiration  of 
which  we  rejoined  our  company  and  served  until  the  end  of 
the  war. 

Of  the  twenty-four  men  of  Co.  B  captured  at  Cleveland,  only 
two--0rlm  Bevier  and  Abram  Deyo — died  in  rebel  prison,  and 
oiio— George  Ludlum— died  a  few  days  after  he  was  exchang 
ed ;  and  I  have  yet  to  learn  of  so  few  deaths  among  the  same 
number  of  men  of  any  other  company  in  the  service. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.     Organization  of  the  Regiment.     Ordered 

to  the  front 5 

CHAPTER  II.  The  march  from  Covington  to  Lexington. 
Camp  Ella  Bishop.  Sickness  and  death  of 
men.  Resignation  of  officers 16 

CHAPTER  III.     Our  first  campaign.     Pegrarn's  raid  into 

Central^  Kentucky 24 

CHAPTER  IV.     Mounted  Infantry.     To   Somerset    and 

Monticello 35 

CHAPTER  V.     The  Saunders  Raid  into  East  Tennessee. 

Major  Dow's  Report 42 

CHAPTER  YI.  Guarding  the  Cumberland.  Expeditions 
to  Harrodsburg  and  Lebanon.  Capt.  Dunn's 
Report 51 

CHAPTER  VII.     The  fight  at  Richmond,  Ky.     The  Scott 

Raid.     An  exciting  chase 61 

CPIAPTER  YIII.  ^  Over  the  Mountains.  The  march  to 
East  Tennessee.  Reception  and  Union  meet 
ing  at  Athens 69 

CHAPTER  IX.     Army  Correspondence.     Clippings  from 

the  "Athens  Union  Post" 81 

CHAPTER  X.  Opening  of  the  campaign  in  East  Tennes 
see.  Advance  and  retreat 93 

CHAPTER  XI.  Long-street's  invasion  of  East  Tennessee. 
Marches  and  countermarches.  The  charge  at 
Philadelphia.  Across  the  Tennessee.  Retreat 
to  Campbell's  Station 117 

CHAPTER  XII.  The  Battle  of  Campbell's  Station.  Re 
treat  to  Knoxville.  Severe  fighting  in  front  of 
Knoxville.  One-third  of  the  112th  killed, 
wounded  and  missing 133 


TABLE  OJb1  CONTENTS.  479 

CHAPTER  XIII.     The   Siege   of  Knoxville.     Assault  on 

Fort  Saunders.     Relief  of  the  Garrison 150 

CHAPTER  XIV.  In  pursuit  of  Longstreet.  Scouting 
and  skirmishing.  The  112th  dismounted.  The 
march  to  Mt.  Sterling,  Ky.  Reorganization  of 
Brigade " 169 

CHAPTER  XV.  March  back  to  Knoxville.  Ordered  to 
Georgia.  Preparing  for  the  Atlanta  Campaign. 
The  112th  joins  Col.  Reilly's  brigade 191 

CHAPTER  XVI.  The  Atlanta  Campaign.  From  Dalton 
to  New  Hope  Church.  The  battle  of  Resaca. 
Across  the  Oostanaula  arid  the  Etowah.  The 
first  month's  work 202 

CHAPTER  XVII.  The  Atlanta  Campaign  continued. 
From  Dallas  to  the  Chattahoochee.  Pine  Mt., 
Kenesaw.  Marietta .- 214 

CHAPTER  XVIII.  The  Atlanta  Campaign  continued. 
Across  the  Chattahoochee.  Peachtree  Creek. 
The  Charge  at  Utoy  Creek.  The  killed  and 
wounded 224 

CHAPTER  XIX.  The  Atlanta  Campaign  continued. 
A  new  brigade.  Col.  Henderson  in  command. 
The  112th  Illinois  the  first  to  reach  the  Macon 
Railway.  Jonesboro.  Atlanta  "Fairly  won." 
In  camp  at  Decatur 230 

CHAPTER  XX.  Hood  marches  north  and  strikes  Sher 
man's  line  of  communications.  A  wild-goose 
chase.  Allatoona.  Rome.  Resaca.  Gayles- 
ville.  Sherman's  March  to  the  Sea.  The  23d 
Corps  at  Pulaski,  watching  Hood 246 

CHAPTER  XXI.  Hood  crosses  the  Tennessee.  Scholield's 
retreat  to  Columbia.  Across  Duck  River. 
Spring  Hill.  Hood  Napping.  Forced  night 
march  to  Franklin.  Preparation  for  battle...  255 

CHAPTER  XXII.  The  Battle  of  Franklin.  Hood's  as 
sault  upon  the  National  lines.  Repulsed  with 
great  loss.  Sanguinary  and  desperate  conflict. 
The  Battle  from  a  Confederate  stand-point. .  .  266 

CHAPTER  XXIII.  The  Battle  of  Nashville.  A  great 
Union  victory.  Hood's  Army  defeated,  routed 
and  destroyed.  The  pursuit.  The  28d  Corps 
marches  to  Clifton,  on  the  Tennessee  River,  .  .  282 


480  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXIV.  A  new  base  of  operations.  Transferred 
to  North  Carolina.  The  journey  to  the  East. 
At  sea  in  a  storm.  Land  at  Fort  Fisher 293 

CHAPTER  XXV.  The  Campaign  in  North  Carolina.  Cap 
ture  of  Fort  Anderson.  The  fall  of  Wilming 
ton.  The  march  to  Goldsboro.  Reunited  with 
Sherman's  Army.  Preparations  for  a  final 
campaign.  Beginning  of  the  end 299 

CHAPTER  XXVI.  The  fall  of  Richmond.  A  jolly  cele 
bration.  The  march  to  Raleigh.  Another  ju 
bilee.  News  of  the  assassination  of  President 
Lincoln.  Surrender  of  Johnston.  Occupation 
of  Greensboro.  The  war  ended.  Preparing 
for  muster-out 313 

CHAPTER  XXVII.  Mustered  out.  Gen.  Henderson's 
Farewell  Order.  Gen.  Carter's  letter.  Extracts 
from  Gen.  Cox's  letter.  Homeward  bound.  Re 
ception  at  Pittsburg.  Arrival  at  Chicago.  Fi 
nal  discharge.  Return  home.  Banquet  at 
Geneseo  .  .323 


REGIMENTAL  ROSTER. 

ROSTER  OF  FIELD  AND  STAFF 334 

Company  A 338 

Company  F 347 

Company  D 357 

Company  1 367 

Company  C 378 

Company  II 387 

Company  E 395 

Company  K 403 

Company  G 413 

Company  B 421 

The  Saunders  Raid  into  East  Tennessee. 

By  Capt.  James  McCartney. 

Escape  from  the  Prison  at  Andersonville.        Charles  T.  Goss. 
Capture,  Prison  Life  and  Escape.  George  W.  Nicholas. 

Belle  Isle  and  Andersonville.     Escape  from  Andersonville. 

Francis  J.  Liggett. 


14  DAY  USE 


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General  Library 
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